“The more often we see the things around us — even the beautiful and wonderful things — the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds — even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.” 

Joseph B. Wirthlin

The heating and air conditioning unit went out last week. Luckily, the temperatures went back up from the 20-to-40-degree frigid temperatures we had during Halloween and have enjoyed weather in the 40-to-70-degree range. In the colder days, we kept the house warm with our gas fireplace and a few heaters scattered around the house. Unfortunately, we now have to drop a bunch of money on a new unit right before the holiday season.

It is funny what we take for granted until it is gone.  The things we assume will always be there, quietly humming in the background, are the very things that we scarcely notice until they’re missing.

Nothing lasts forever.

My mom and I stood in front of my maternal grandparents’ tombstone at the Chattanooga National Battlefield.  We shared memories of Little Papa and Nanny and my mom even shared some stories I didn’t know. It reminded me of how our loved ones cannot always be with us. Though, God willing, we will see them again in heaven. We need to cherish our loved ones.

Our jobs change. Our cars change. Our bodies grow older.  Our children grow up and leave the house. One neighborhood gets torn down another is built. Life always progresses.

Focus on Gratitude

Even though our heating and air unit is out, we adjusted till the unit could be replaced. We still had a roof over our heads and warm food in our bellies. We enjoyed hot chocolate.  We snuggled with our blankets on the sofa. We were thankful the unit didn’t go out during the middle of winter.

There are times when we can remain focused on the positive in our lives despite the disturbances. When I notice I’m complaining a lot, I try to shift my focus to gratitude.

Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can help reframe your mindset and cultivate a sense of hope and appreciation.

Adaptability is Key

Charles Darwin reminds us how:

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable to change.“

We often have a fickle dependence on our routines. We live in moments of stability punctuated by sudden jolts of chaos that force us to reevaluate ourselves and our priorities. There are times when we have to let go of what we are comfortable with and seek growth and change. We cannot remain stuck.

I enjoy photography and my interest started in the days of developing my own film; however, the transition to digital came while I was in college.  This was a significant change in the world of photography.  I no longer had to use chemicals in the darkroom to develop my photographs. I could see the digital images instantly on the computer screen. I no longer had to waste so much film. I could delete the bad pictures immediately and knew at once if I didn’t like a certain angle or position. I had to let go of the old process and learn computer editing and photoshop.

 I’m not the biggest fan of change. My husband isn’t either. Yet, adventure often awaits within the scary unknown.

God is There

Life can be frustrating at times. When problems pile up and life disturbs us in both big and small ways, it can seem as if we are sinking in the mud pit. But through our lives, God is with us. Often, when we look back, we are able to see how God was with us and carried us through those difficult moments. No matter what we are going through, God is there, even when we feel alone.

As routine as our lives can get, we need to remember that our existence is often full of unpredictability.  We would benefit from learning to cherish the mundane pleasures that we so often take for granted. Let your loved ones know how much you care. Celebrate your friendships. Make a list of everything you are grateful for in your life. Try to embrace change as it comes. And remember how God is with us through it all.

“Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn’t. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted.” 

Mitch Albom

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