Are you blind to your blessings? Do you take things for granted? Let’s talk about how to truly appreciate what we’ve been given…
I overheard someone recently say, “I realize before the pandemic how many things I took for granted. I now see those days differently and wish I would have appreciated them.”
A friend said, “Looking back to March and April when COVID hit, it was like several weeks of snow days. But I did not value the gift I had been given. Instead of curling up and enjoying a good book, I stressed out about the quarantine and wanted it to end as soon as possible.”
Do you notice a pattern with these two comments? It seems like many of us don’t appreciate what we have until we no longer have it. Why do we often wait until something—or someone—is gone, to realize what we could have treasured?
Looking at your life, what do you assume you will have tomorrow? A car? Your eyesight? The ability to walk? Food to eat? Good health? Electricity? We have all seen people in the news lately who lost their possessions or their health in a matter of minutes, whether it was due to COVID 19, a raging fire, a tornado, or a flood.
And what about the people in your life? A widower recently said, “My wife did so much for me. So much. But I just took it all for granted.” Are you really appreciating your spouse, a dear friend, a loyal co-worker, or your challenging teenager while they are still living?
What to Do If You’re Blind to Your Blessings
Commit today to cherish and take time to focus on what you appreciate more than the problems you are facing. Communicate your appreciation to the people who really need to hear those words. And if you really want to be accountable, share with at least one person what you will not take for granted any longer.
Here’s three things I want to acknowledge, especially in the month of October: Like all the Octobers in the last thirty years, I want to cherish the miracles God has done in my life. He healed me of aggressive breast cancer thirty-one years ago when I was told I would be dead in ten years.
Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and given one year to live. Obviously, God had other plans.
He filled my life with wonderful loving friends and family.
And thirty years ago this month, I accepted Jesus into my life.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
~ Psalm 100:4 NIV ~
Yes, there are plenty of problems and challenges in your life. But, don’t gloss over what is good. Don’t allow yourself to become blind to your blessings. Be sure to notice, appreciate, and acknowledge what you have been given.
Refuse to let another day slip by without identifying at least three things in your life that you don’t want to take for granted. And then send that list to me or someone else acknowledging what you appreciate.
Father, you have given us so many blessings. Forgive us for what we take for granted. May we be more intentional to notice and thank you for all you provide and praise you for the generous God you are.
Warmly,
Georgia
P.S. – Don’t forget: Empowering Assessments is a group coaching program for people helpers and those who want to grow in self-awareness. This group begins Monday, October 19. For details and dates visit https://georgiashaffer.com/empoweringassessments. Deadline to register is October 17th @ 11:59pm ET.
