Hot weather engulfing wide swathes of our country this week stir my thinking about how we are engulfed and swayed by the immediate and often lose sight of what is really important. When the heat and humidity soar we are preoccupied with how to stay cool. We find conversations everywhere focused on the communal misery of the oppressive heat. When you are enduring triple digit heat and 99% humidity, thinking about anything else is truly difficult.
It seems the same with our political climate this past year (has it been that long already?!). The waves of words and crashing craziness combined with world events that seem careering out of control have swamped me, and I imagine many others, with a high tide of anxiety about life. It has caused me to lose sight of what is true, beautiful and lovely. I have often not noticed the beauty of daily blessings.
Our garden is being particularly lovely just now but there I sat in my chair, staring at it all, busy mulling morosely over the political debacles unfolding, instead of praising my Creator for such a joyous panorama.
I am in good health and, shame on me, I have failed to thank Him for that good gift today. God has put so many people in my life who are delightful. I have failed to thank Him for each one. And to compound it, I have taken them for granted failing to let them know how much I love them.
He provides a comfortable and safe home for me and given me so much to do that I have grumbled about my “overload-ness” and complained about my stress. What a shame that I have not stopped to thank Him for the talent, training, time and space to do what I love. I love caring for my husband and mother. I love being able to do laundry and hang sheets on the line to dry. I love being able to cook and eat tasty food. I love being able to lie down and sleep in peace and safety. I love being able to draw and paint and make beautiful letters with my pens. Oh, this list could go on a long time!
God is so good to me. And how have I repaid Him? With careless ingratitude stirred with sinful anxiety. I think the best antidote to this situation is a fresh reflection on Philippians 4: 4-8.
