I’ve had two revelations recently. One – the more I age, the more I realize how little I know about this world. Sure, I’ve become wiser, as we all should as we age. But the more I know, the more I realize how little I know in comparison to all there is to know under God’s sovereignty. Before I get all philosophical and Ecclesiastes on you – because that’s not what this post is about – let me share the second revelation. With each holiday season, the less I want and the more grateful I am for what I already have.
I’ve made this personal because it’s my blog, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not the only one who’s had this revelation. And while I said I was moving on from Ecclesiastes, I do want to point out something so wise, yet simple and still very relevant that King Solomon wrote in his nearly three-thousand-year-old segment of scripture. Most of what we treasure is meaningless anyway. Well, he said “everything,” but I’m trying to be a little less dramatic.
Before you get the wrong impression though, let me share why this revelation is so encouraging and full of hope. God has already given us the greatest and most valuable gift in the world. We don’t have to wait for it, nor do we have to do any toiling or spending to get it. We already have it. And that “it” I’m referring to is Jesus, in case you didn’t already know. Despite how cliche it sounds, it doesn’t make it any less true – He is in fact, the reason for the season.
I’ve believed in and accepted the gift of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit He left here with me as evidence of His presence for some time now. But the more I’ve gotten to know Him and about Him, the more I value Him and His sacrifice. And the more I value Him, the less value I place on the “stuff” of this world. And that is a gift in and of itself. It’s actually freeing to be more tied to Him and less tethered to the things of this world.
But, let me be clear. I truly appreciate and am grateful for all the “things of this world” that God has allowed me to have. They have certainly made life more comfortable than it could have been without them. What this revelation has provided me with though, is perspective. And I think we could all benefit from a little of that.
Transparently, this perspective has helped me navigate this very uncertain and uncomfortable season I’ve found myself in recently. Without it, I honestly don’t know how I’d feel. But, what I do know is that I’m grateful. I’m more grateful than I ever have been. And yet, I have less than what I’ve had in other seasons of my life, from a worldly point of view.
I’m sharing this because I know that the more commercialized this season becomes, the harder it is for us to see what really matters, not just for the season, but in life. I hope my revelation has either reminded or ignited in you a fresh perspective that fosters gratitude. Whether you have a little or a lot of what the world has to offer, it truly always is the season to be grateful.
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Golden Life Musings 