All day I have had the constant, loud, repetitious noise of a jack hammer ringing in my ears. The house next door is having some extensive renovations done and it seems every tile in their house is being removed, because that jackhammer didn’t stop all day.
Today’s ongoing noise was a reminder of how easy it is for us not to appreciate all that we have in our lives until it has been removed or changed in some way. I like to have some peace and quiet, but until today I didn’t appreciate just how much I really, really value quiet. Without it I became agitated, distracted and unsettled inside. I had to really concentrate on getting quiet down on the inside, so that my external circumstances didn’t affect me too much.
This year in particular has no doubt highlighted to most people the many things they perhaps didn’t appreciate until they were no longer accessible or available.
We know we should acknowledge all we have and are and be thankful for all the people and blessings in our lives. But sadly we can often fail to see who and what is right in front of us until they no longer there.
It’s only when our freedom, health, peace, quiet, job, income and those special people in our lives suddenly are no longer there or as accessible that we suddenly see how important these people or things are to us.
Whereas perhaps a better way to live is to regularly stop, look around and ask God to show you what and who truly matters in your life. Then with a renewed understanding and perspective you can actively begin to appreciate, and if need be fight for what is precious to you, rather than finding out when it’s too late or you can do little to change it.
Take some time today to appreciate and be thankful for all the people in your world and for all that you have.
“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
Prayer: Lord please help me to recognise who and what truly matters in my life. Thank you for all that you have given me and the people in my world. In Jesus name Amen.
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