Things Taken for Granted

I'm nursing a cold, nothing major, just enough to keep me in a resting state most of the weekend. I have always had good health, so on the rare occasions when I do get sick, it's a minor annoyance, but it also makes me appreciate the good health that God has blessed me with. I know other people (including my age and younger) who are not so fortunate, and I realize that I could be diagnosed with some disease or experience some traumatic accident tomorrow. Perhaps letting me get a cold is God's way of keeping me from taking my health for granted.

Sometimes it takes losing something, even temporarily, to truly appreciate it. Whether it's a relationship, a job, a friendship, money, good health--all these things can be so easily neglected while we have them. We take it for granted that they will always be there. But God has not promised that our lives will remain the same. He does not guarantee that our relationship won't end, that we won't be fired, that our bank account will always be in the black.

While we should not rely on anything or anyone besides God, at the same time, we should be careful to enjoy who and what we have been given, for the time we've been given. Is there someone in your life right now who does not know what they mean to you? Is there an area of your life--your job, church, etc.--where your attitude is sucking the joy out of the experience? Are you neglecting to take care of your health, home or finances?

Ask God to reveal areas in which you are taking someone or some circumstance for granted. Let His Spirit guide you in cultivating a more grateful attitude in every area of your life.

Enjoy your day!