Perspective

As I left for work this morning I noticed the neighbors across the street still had an icy walkway. Mine has melted nicely. My house gets more sunlight. Although a small thing, I was thankful.

Today my heat works. Although it works pretty consistently, I am thankful.

It’s near March and we haven’t really gotten beat up with snow yet. (I know, I shouldn’t say anything!) So thankful.

For so many years I have heard great men and women encourage people to be grateful, to journal all your blessings and to appreciate the small things. It’s fascinating all we take for granted (especially here in America!).

I read this great quote from Charles Spurgeon, a preacher from back in the 1800’s. He said, “It is not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” So true. I enjoy not chopping ice on my driveway. I enjoy sitting in my heated house. I enjoy no snow.

I believe the awareness of all we have shapes us much better than seeing all we don’t have. If you feed your child ice cream every day for a month and neglect to give them any after, you’ll hear it from them. If you never gave your child ice cream (I am not suggesting this, just making point), they will never complain about not having it. When we get all we want, we want more. There’s a lot to be said about ‘too much too soon’.

I remember the first time Vicki and I stayed at a nicer hotel…..it’s now hard to go back to the less nicer ones. I wouldn’t have missed it if I never had it. But I did, and I don’t know how I will ever spend a night at the “Dew Drop Inn” ever again.

“God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don’t have we don’t need now.” Elizabeth Elliot, Christian Author and Speaker

It feels as though our needs and wants have been confused as of late. I remember when iPhones, cable television, video games and coffee makers were wants……doesn’t feel like that today.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Perspective starts with you. Be grateful today.