Taken for Granted

God’s word tells us to have a grateful heart, not just some of the time, not just at Thanksgiving, not just when we happen to think about it, but to be thankful all the time for all things. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thessalonians 5:18)

I love the meme that says if you ate today, thank a farmer.  If the food was on your table, thank a trucker, and if you ate in peace, thank a soldier. Most of us eat three times a day. Do we take our food supply for granted?  Do we take our supply chain for granted?  Do we take our safety and freedoms for granted?

I walk into a dark room and flip on a light switch.  I get a little chilly, I bump up the thermostat or click on the gas logs.  Yes, I have to pay for the convenience but do I still take it for granted?  If I get sick, does the doctor treat me? If I have a traumatic event, a death in the family, who comes to my rescue or calls me?  I turn the handle on the faucet and water comes out.  Do I take it for granted?  The list can go on and on.  What happens on a daily basis that we all take for granted?

As a gardener, I love thinking I have a green thumb.  In reality, I can put the seeds or plants in the ground, but after that I can do nothing except tend it.  I know that God is the real gardener. He created that seed to open and begin to grow under specific circumstances. I don’t know how the internal makeup of each seed works but it does.  I take that for granted every time I plant my garden.  I need to thank God for the ability to plant a garden, the actual seeds that I put in the soil, the sun and the rain that nourishes them, and then I need to pray and ask God to continue to protect and help my garden grow.  God is always there.  He is always on duty.  Do we take Him for granted?  I know I do.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” (Psalm 100:4)

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thessalonians 5:18)

Lord,

Thank You for all that I have. I know that you Lord, are my provider and sustainer. Help me to be more appreciative of all the things you provide. Help me to not take anything for granted.