Newness of Sight

 Greetings!  Today I was reminded of how nice it is to have cool days.    Not to long ago I remember hoping for warm weather and at that time, I was tired of waking up to the 30 and 40 degree mornings. What ever happened to the normal temperatures of May when it should be in the high 40s and low 50s at 6 a.m.   After reaching 95 today with high humidity, those cooler temperatures seemed quite appealing once again.  It appears to be a state in our existence that we are always wishing for something that we do not have.  

I look at my 7 year old son who works for his money by doing things around the house, the garden, as well as helping grandma and grandpa with cleaning, raking and picking up.  He dreams of the next Lego that he wants to get and soon after getting it, I notice that he once again is occupied with his older favorite toys.  The newness soon wears off and at times, he dreams of other toys to save for.  

I think if I would admit it, I am the same way, I miss my old 92 Ranger pickup and wish at times that I hadn't got rid of it so quickly.  I was eyeing an SUV at the time, thinking that would make me so happy driving it through out the countryside.  In the end, my dream vehicle brought me high repair bills and my gas mileage went down.  It wasn't as attractive in my driveway as it was when in the Ford dealership lot.  

God though is very patient with us and doesn't want us to be drawn to whims that tickle every fancy that comes along.  He desires for us to be content with the things that he has given us, to see enjoyment with the jewels that he has placed within our grasp.  We have a tendency at times to look across the fence and see instead what others have, things we do not possess.  Discontentment soon follows and we quickly become discouraged as well as feeling empty inside.  

God was teaching me this last week about contentment and where to place ones true values.  Monday, I was planning to see my doctor about something rather minor, though I could have put it off, I decided to take care of it none-the-less.  Just before going to the clinic, I experienced a sudden loss of strength, I began to shake and I was short of breath.  That night I shook violently and sweat profusely.  My doctor diagnosed me as having Lime's disease and so now I am on antibiotics.  It has taken me about a week now for my strength to slowly return, with my balance almost back to normal.  My family became very concerned for me and my children said they would pray for me as well.  Changing bedding daily because of me soaking them with sweat every night was difficult.  Now after several days, I can walk at a normal gate and wake-up with dry sheets.  Today I see where my treasures are, not in the garage, they are in my arms.  I realize now more than ever, how much God has given me.  My thoughts of having my pickup truck back are all but forgotten.  Having health and my family is what is most important.  God is teaching me through this that I shouldn't be counting the things I don't have, I should be counting the minutes I get to have with my family.  Counting the moments of waking up and seeing a beautiful sunrise, birds singing, and the quietness of solitude when looking at his beautiful sunsets.  Seeing, not just looking at, but really seeing the beauty of his flowers he has given me to enjoy. Listening as well to the wonderful sounds of little feet coming up the steps and then hearing the words, "Daddy!"  My eyes have been opened this past week.  Thank you Lord for helping me to see more clearly.  

Have a great week filled with newness of sight.  Augie