Giving Thanks For What We Take For Granted
freedigitalphotos.net Daily choices . . .
We arise in the morning, jump in the shower, pop a slice of bread in the toaster, turn on the coffee maker, pick up the newspaper outside our front door, boot up the computer to look at the stock market action and check our e-mail or some version of the above.
Some of us then speed off to work. Everything we need is waiting for us: an elevator to take us to the designated floor with just a push of a button, a desk and chair, overhead lights, a fax and phone, a copy machine so we can duplicate whatever work we turn out that day.
On the way home we might stop at the gym, lift weights, ride the stationary bicycle, sweat in the sauna, cool down in the shower. We drop by the supermarket and pluck our favorite foods off the shelves and out of the freezer.
We dash home, grab a pot and pan or pop a prepared dinner into the microwave, then flip on the TV to watch the news or a sitcom. Or maybe we listen to a classical CD and plop down by the fireplace with a satisfying book. Then we’re off to bed. It feels good to settle down on a comfortable mattress with a fluffy quilt to warm us. Just think! An entire day filled with comforts and conveniences that most of us probably take for granted.
But sometimes the very items that make our lives easier can also be our undoing. Instead of inspiring gratitude within us, they stir up irritation. They require assembly and maintenance, training and practice, and eventually repair and replacement.
On the other hand, maybe we become so dependent on these gifts of technology that we lose sight of the Giver. And still others dismiss their value, preferring instead to live “above” the things of the world like my husband’s friend Frank.
But if God is first in our lives—He is first—period. We’ll receive His gifts of technology and use them gratefully. Whether at a keyboard or an ironing board, lifting weights or tilling the soil, we can remain aware of the One who gave us every good thing.
Thank you, Lord, for your loving provision even in the midst of life’s storms.
If you had a Like button for this post I’d use it.
I do have a like button. When you see my blog come up in your email there is a ‘like’ button there. OR you can click on one of the social media buttons at the end of each post. Thanks for ‘likeing’ it. 🙂
Guilty as charged 🙁 This is a good reminder, thank you!
You’re most welcome, although I didn’t mean to ‘charge’ you. 🙂
I could not express it any better-nor as well! Sounds like a typical day for many that I know but for me, since I am retired, I have more time to just relax and really think of all these things we take for granted. I look out the sliding glass doors from the den and thank God for the Palm tree with its beautiful branches swaying in the wind and I know HE is there with every sway! GOODNESS, there is NO WAY we could ever thank HIM enough nor name our blessings. Thank you, Karen, for the reminder!
Blessings with gratitude for all. margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I’m glad you’re safe in Florida. Your state has taken quite a beating lately but there are still so many gifts to be grateful for–namely life itself. Bless you.
Hi Karen, Every Christian should read this blog. You are so right, the amount of things we take for granted is crazy. Since I am getting older, my body parts are wearing out. The Lord has kept this ole body going for 74 years and I am wondering as I read your blog trying to remember the amount of times I have thanked Jesus for this ole body; for my eyes, ears, nose, touch, and my mouth. (I probably could have used my mouth a little less and my ears more but that’s another comment.) Thanks for the reminder. I am including my thanks in my daily quiet time from now on. GBY real good Karen.
Thanks, Jim. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Like you, I am giving thanks daily for all that I pay attention to and for the things I often overlook. God is good all the time.
Nice reminder, Karen. I am grateful for my friendship with you, grateful for each day alive and most grateful for a God of Grace who never leaves us. love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. What a lovely comment.