There is a quaint expression that you often hear in the rural sections of our country. Instead of saying "thank you," folks say, "Much obliged." It's really a beautiful expression. "Much obliged" means that I am much obligated to you for what you have done for me.

I want to declare that we are a "much obliged" people this morning. I call us to do exactly what that old beloved hymn from the brown Cokesbury hymnal advised, "Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done."

It is true that blessings are not distributed equally. Some people's blessings are more numerous and visible.

I love the story about the first-grade class that was discussing why they were thankful to Mother Nature. Little Mary said, "I'm thankful to Mother Nature for my gold…