Give thanks for the simple things
Are you always wanting more? It's time to stop and give thanks for what you have.
Whether it’s money, friends, status or followers, more is always celebrated. It’s in our nature to live a life of accumulation. We gather and gather in order to keep it all (whatever it is) for ourselves, and do with it what we see fit.
But let me ask you some questions:
- How much money is enough money?
- How much fame is enough fame?
- How many friends are enough?
- If you're a leader, how much influence is enough?
Please, just take a second to truly think about those questions, applying them to the things that occupy your life & mind. What is enough for you?
It’s very, very difficult to put a solid answer to those questions. And that’s the problem with an accumulation life style (always striving for something more) – we never know when we’re done.
Life is not about getting more
You see life is LIKE a race at times, but it’s not actually a race at all (and that’s good because I run like an injured farm animal). We never know where the finish line is in our life - it could all be over before you read this sentence.
Ok you’re still with me. Good. That would have been weird for me.
Anyway, while we’re here for our indefinite time, getting MORE out of life isn’t God’s plan, it’s enjoying and being thankful for what we already have been given.
Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19)
I believe this verse means what it says. Have some food, enjoy your friends and family, make the most out of your job and give thanks for it to God.
God may or may not add more wealth to you, or give you more influence or friends. Unless you can accept your lot in life now – it doesn’t matter what you end up getting from God, you’ll just wish for something else, like you do now.
Enjoy the simple things in life
As the new year begins, take an inventory of all that you have. I mean all. Cell phone, running water, a bed, furniture, car, shoes, the ability to walk – everything you have.
Then, take a second to thank God for each thing, acknowledging that you don’t deserve it.
Next, slow down, take a second to think and meditate on what life would be like without those things you already have.
What would it be like if your car, even your crappy one, was taken away from you today? What would it be like to live without the device you’re using to read this blog post? Ask these questions for the entire list.
Finally, decide to enjoy & give thanks for what you have, rather than taking it for granted.
Instead of being annoyed with your family, swallow your pride, take them out to lunch and just let them talk.
Take a walk - instead of looking at your iPhone, go look at at a tree. They're really amazing! How in the world did God think up trees? And how cool is it that your eyes see it in color, every detail?
This is the gift of God. Accept your lot. Enjoy what you already have. Give him thanks. Besides, for those of us who follow Jesus, MUCH more is on the way!
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