This past weekend, my husband and I once again volunteered in a prison ministry. While we ladies were cooking up tasty homemade meals for the inmates, our men volunteers were with the inmates from morning to early evening.
So, it’s no surprise that prison food is pretty bad. Think of some of the most boring, tasteless school cafeteria meals you've ever had and go a few notches down. Obviously, the inmates were thrilled about the food they received during the weekend. After a taco lunch, one inmate said “I haven’t had a taco for 6 years!” On pizza night, another inmate shared “I haven’t had pizza for 8 years!” Little things we all take for granted.
The more we’ve been blessed in our lives, the more temptation it is to take things for granted. What does that mean? We underestimate the value of a person or thing. We expect someone or something to be always available. It means to be so sure of having something that we no longer appreciate it.
What do you and I take for granted? Our homes? An income? Our spouses? Our friendships? Our children? Our parents? Our meals? Our clothes? Our cars? Our health? Our safety? I remember a recent trip to Houston after the hurricane really opened my mind to all the things I take for granted. Listening to person after person share stories of losing homes, cars, and basically everything, left its mark on me.
Perhaps, it’s time for us to wake up. For the inmates, they made choices that led to serving prison time. But, maybe they’ve become a bit more appreciative about a simple taco or slice of pizza, because it’s no longer available.
What do you take for granted? Whom do you take for granted in your work, home or friendships? How have you minimized the power, presence and activity of God in your life? Do you assume that life will always be the way it is now? Have you grown so accustomed to the blessings in life that you’ve succumbed to a critical spirit and complaining? This is such a temptation for us as we take things for granted.
Why not start your day with a thankful heart? Look up. Look around. Appreciate. Take in the blessings of your life. They won't always be there.
“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K Chesterton
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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