#18 – The “Taken-for-Granted Gifts – June 27, 2024

James1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Okay, we have all been very thankful for the many blessings (gifts) that God has freely given to us.  Places of nature such as the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Niagara Falls, etc…none of which I have actually seen, but the pictures are fantastic.  I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon but just never made it.  As my years progress I probably never will.  I’m hoping that when I die, just before entering heaven, God will let me fly over it and get one good glance of its majesty.  I’m just joking, of course, because the first and only thing I want to see when I die is Jesus!

We’ve been thankful for the warmth and security of our homes, our family and friends, and the technology that has, to some degree, made our lives much easier.

I’ve written several times of the wonders I’ve seen, just from my porch or patio, and the sights I’ve seen going to the beach and my trips down south.  Watching the puffy clouds floating by, the lightning flashing, the beautiful birds and animals, the numerous flowers, the ocean, rivers and streams, and so many other things that man did not, or could not, produce.

I have been blessed to the hear the sound of music, the birds and animals, the rain hitting a tin roof, a baby’s first attempt to talk, and to hear the words “I love you” from family and friends.

I have been blessed to be able to touch, speak, feel, and smell all those glorious gifts that, again, man did not, or could not, provide to me.

I have been able to verbally express my likes, dislikes, thoughts, and laughs.  I have been able to sit with my friends and have delightful conversation and share some of our deepest and darkest secrets. I have laughed with certain people so hard that I couldn’t breathe…and loved every moment.

These are a few of those “gifts” that God has given us that we forget about.  We become so accustomed to them that we take them for granted.

Eyes:  I have two friends that have something wrong with their eyesight.  One can only drive very short distances and the other can’t drive at all anymore.  They have trouble reading, except for very large type.  Everything seems blurry and many of the things they loved to do, they’re not able to any more.  For us who are able to see the beauty around us, to recognize our friends at a distance, and to read without assistance is something we never think about.  Regardless of our disabilities, we should always look for the beauty in others.  God gave us our eyes, not to judge others but to look past their situations and care about them.

Mouth:  Oh, that nasty mouth that so many find appealing!  There are times when I get mad, angry because something doesn’t work, or when I made a big mess, and I will mutter a not-so-pleasing word.  But never use your mouth to criticize others, to make fun of them, or to make them feel less than important or beneath you.  Our mouth should only be used to speak the truth.  And if we’re not sure what the truth is…keep it shut.

Ears:  Our pastor is partially deaf and has been for many years.  Now he’s scheduled to have an operation that will allow him to hear the music and songs we sing in church.  He’ll be able to hear our questions and our prayers.  He made the statement that, “I just want to hear in color!”  Too many times in our communication with others is that we don’t listen to understand – we listen to reply.  This is when we need to listen, keep our eyes open, and keep our mouth shut.

Hands:  I’ve had, and still having, problems with my hands; a broken finger that doesn’t seem to want to hurry up and heal, and numbness on the other hand.  However, I’m thankful that they haven’t completely let me down.  I’m still able to carry out the work that needs to be done on a daily basis; only at a slower pace.  Our hands are not designed to lay inactive but to do the work God intended them to do…lend a helping hand to someone at any opportunity that is put in your path.

You see…everything God has given us has its purpose.  Sometimes we are unable to use those gifts, but as long as we have breath…we have purpose.  Use our precious gifts in the manner in which God designed them for. 

The next time you’re in a thankful mood…thank them for all those “taken-for-granted” gifts that we enjoy; Every-Single-Moment of Every-Single-Day.

1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Nancy Stoppe     

Stoppe123@comcast.net

Blog – inspirationalinsights6.com  (inspirational insights 6 .com)