Blessings

There are two people in my life who’ve made an impression on me, not because of who they are in particular, but sadly, because of what happened in their lives.

The prominent figure in the couple’s life was the wife, Nelly, because she behaved in a way that pushed her into the centre of attention wherever she went. Contrary to Nelly, her husband, Rick, was a quiet and tender loving person. His love for his wife was obvious. I remember his words, “Yes, dear, it’s fine, dear, here you are, dear,” always caring and gentle towards his wife. Nelly’s words and attitude distorted the picture somewhat. No-one remembered anything she said because it was just “blah, blah, blah, blah,” loud remarks about herself or things important to her.

Then one day Nelly’s life tumbled from the wall and was broken into pieces and she was unable to put it back together again. Rick died.

At first Nelly did not really notice the difference until she started to realise that there was nobody who cared for her the way Rick did. No more, “I love you, dear, yes, dear, here, have this, dear.” Suddenly Nelly realised there was nobody left who cared for her the way Rick did. For the first time she missed him. For the first time she realised who he was and what she had lost.

I was thinking about a time when I was little and sat next to Rick when he gave me sweets or took me outside and gave me some of the grapes that grew next to their house. I remember his tender voice and loving nature and I missed him. For the first time I longed to know him better but, sadly, it was too late.

Then Jesus stepped in. “Ken, what happened in the lives of these two people, is more or less a picture of many lives on earth.”

“Why do You say that, Lord?” I asked.

“Nelly had everything she could ask for. She had her loving husband and the attention and pampering of Rick every second of her life. She got so used to all her blessings that she did not realise how much she had. You could say that her mountains of blessings made her insensitive to the really important stuff in life. Only when she had lost her husband and the blessings had dried up, she suddenly noticed she had lost the love of her life. Then it was too late to change!

So many people live in the blessings I provide for them, sunshine, health, food, attention, protection, and, yes, you could carry on and count the abundance of provisions I put into your lap every day. People get so used to all the blessings, it is not counted as blessings anymore. Like Nelly, many rather complain about the lack of blessings or when the blessing is not exactly the colour, size or taste they wanted it to be.

Most tragic of all, is that My people got so used to everything I bless them with, they forgot Me! The blessings became more important than Me! If I should leave them, they would also notice My absence for the first time but then it would be too late.

The way the people are treating Me would drive a normal person to divorce. I am not a normal Person, I love you and care for you.

I will not leave you nor forsake you; all you have to do is to remember Me! Talk to Me, live with Me, laugh with Me, cry with Me! Most importantly, notice Me!” Isaiah 42:16.