There are things each and every one of us gets used to that can seem strange to other people. I can easily get used to noise, especially if I am making it. I get so used to some noises that I cannot hear them until someone points them out to me. All people get used to things that aren’t a threat to their survival. Instead, we tend to save our energy and attention for those things that have a direct impact on our lives.

This is also true of the spiritual dimension of our lives. We humans can get too used to the violence, evil, and sin of this present existence to the point that we don’t even notice the brokenness of our world. We can also get used to the beauty and the blessings of our world. It’s not always easy for me to stop in my path and listen to the birds, and look up at the sky, and appreciate the beauty of Creation.

It seems, as humans, we can especially get used to the many good gifts that God gives us. We take for granted the breath in our lungs, the eyes that can see God’s beautiful Creation, and so many other incredible gifts in our lives. So, I hope you will take time today to appreciate those good gifts that God has given to us and to ask for His continued blessing. After all, Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount how much God wants to give us good gifts if we ask for them:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:7-11

So, I encourage you to take time today, wherever you are, and reflect on God’s blessings in your life. Take some time to name blessings that you have received. Recognize the gifts that God has given you. Write them down or say them out loud. Thank God for His blessings, for the good gifts He has given you. Then, ask Him to continue to give you blessings. Pray that He will give you what you need. Pray for blessings upon the Church and our church family, and upon our nation and world. And then join us in praying for each other, especially the people on this prayer list.

God’s Love and Blessing be upon you all,
Noah