Two old friends met each other on the street one day.  One looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, “What has the world done to you, my old friend?”

The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you: three weeks ago, my uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars.”

“That’s a lot of money.”

“But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand dollars, free and clear.”

“Sounds to me that you’ve been very blessed.”

“You don’t understand!” he interrupted.  “Last week my great-aunt passed away. I inherited almost a quarter of a million from her.”

Now the man’s friend was really confused.  “Then, why do you look so glum?”

“This week… nothing!”

- Anonymous

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Perhaps there is be a problem about receiving something on a regular basis.  Even if it is a gift, say for a birthday or a holiday, one could eventually come to expect it as deserved the next time that day rolls around. It would be a natural tendency, when one receives a gift often enough or on a special occasion, to come to view it almost as an entitlement. Some may feel hurt, even angry, if the “expected” gift isn’t received any longer.

It can be the same way with the blessings God gives us every day.  We may not deserve the comfortable homes that we live in, the beautiful scenery of nature that surrounds us, the predictable change of seasons, glorious sunsets, His grace and forgiveness, etc. But after receiving these gifts (along with a multitude of others) for years, we may fail at times to be grateful—we just expect these good things. And, if one of them is removed for a short time (like water or electricity or the internet going down), we tend to immediately get upset.

Perhaps we should make an effort today to recognize the blessings that we’ve come to take for granted. Let’s focus and be thankful for what we have rather than on what we don’t have and what we think we should have. It is sure to improve outlooks and attitudes.

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Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalm 107:8

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 NLT (Also see: Psalm 107:1, 1 Chronicles 13:8, 1 Chronicles 16:34

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 NASB

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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