Beyond Measure

There are two young fish swimming along. An older fish, swimming in the other direction, nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” The two young fish swim on, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and asks, “What the hell is water?”

Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s already right in front of us.

I remember when I graduated from high school and went away to college. By way of full confession, was not the most responsible or respectful adolescent. (Sorry Mom!) When I was that age, I couldn’t wait to get out of the house. But then, after moving out into the dorms, it really was only a matter of weeks before reality set in, and I realized how good I had had it. 

At home, I realized, I didn’t have to go to the laundry mat every week – or alternatively, search for my cleanest dirty shirt to wear to class. At home, I didn’t have a roommate who never slept and who was a total party animal. At home, I didn’t have to share a bathroom with five other guys, none of whom, including myself liked to clean very much. At home, I didn’t have to go to the grocery. No. Somehow at home, all of the ingredients and all of the food I loved, magically appeared every week… 

Just a little bit of space and a little bit of perspective allowed me to see what I couldn’t see, to appreciate what I couldn’t appreciate.  

For all of us, at every age, sometimes it is hard to see the reality of blessing and beauty and grace, even when we are swimming in it.  

Today I invite you to pause, and in spite of any difficulties you may be facing, take stock of all the blessings surrounding you. Make a list. Focus for a few seconds on each item, and notice how a little perspective can make a huge difference.

Let us pray: Loving God, you have blessed us beyond measure. Open our eyes to see and hearts to respond. Amen.