Appreciate What's Important

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. - Aldous Huxley

A blind couple lives next door to us. While out walking the dogs I learned the wife was out of her diabetes medication and needed to get to Walgreens to pick it up. Yeah, I sort of murmured on the inside....I had just come back from the gym, wiped out. Wanted to spend time with Stacy after being at work all day before the workout. Needed to figure out what we were eating for supper. And truth be told, ready to shower and get into my PJs, even though it was 4 in the afternoon!

But of course I'd take her to Walgreens! With a smile even if she couldn't see it. It was a new experience for me, leading someone on my arm and navigating crowded aisles. Wondering if I should be describing what we were walking past or just go quietly. (She was thrilled when I told her about the 75% off Valentine candy!)

She was totally capable of communicating with the pharmacy clerk, though I noticed he was looking at me when telling her something. I was standing there overwhelmed by the whole drug store experience...a long line of sick people waiting for meds. One guy hacking and sniffling next to us said "I don't know what I've got!" I wanted to hold my breath the rest of the time and bathe in Purel immediately.

Leaving the store, raindrops hit my eyeglasses. As I wiped them off I wondered how often I have complained about something that someone else would cherish.
By the time we returned home and I walked her to the door I was ready to run, faceplant on my pillow and have a good cry.

How many times have I just jumped into the car for a quick trip to the store for whatever I wanted? They don't even have food if someone doesn't bring it or take them shopping! When's the last time I had to get a prescription for an ailment? Thankfully it's been too long to remember but I forget to be thankful for my health.

Please, Lord, help me not take my good fortune of basic life essentials for granted, for I am beyond blessed. And help me realize daily the privilege you've given me of all my senses being intact. Amen.

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you
take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” - G.K.
Chesterton