People usually don't know the value of the things they have until they lose them. Unfortunately, this can sometimes happen regarding people. It's easy to take someone for granted; especially if that someone is always in close proximity or very important to you. It's hard to realize or imagine that such a person could disappear from your life in an instant or unexpectedly. We tend not to realize that it is necessary to take each day as a gift from God and appreciate it in various ways, including recognizing and being thankful for the people around us.
We never know the end. We can never fathom our lifespan or understand God's sovereign plan for each person. The fact that we have such knowledge being spread to us through Scripture should push us to seek out ways we can show continued love and appreciation for one another. This doesn't just apply to those that we keep close, but even the people we haven't seen or connected with in a while. We can even go the extra mile to pray for the ones we can't communicate with anymore, knowing full well the reasons for their absence in our lives. After all, such actions are what display how much we've been changed by God to be less broken and petty.
How is it that we go through this very fragile life as though we are invisible to its flaws? There are certain pathways we must acknowledge or consider if we want to learn how to live a more fulfilled life full of contentment and satisfaction.
1. God is in Control of Everything
For the record, God sees, knows and directs our entire lives. He knows our start to finish, what we will accomplish, our failures, and our regrets. That being said, God is not controlling. God is aware of everything that has to do with us. He gives us the opportunity to choose the type of life we want; one with Him where He promises to be with us forever and give us a life of good quality or one without Him that is sure to be full of obstacles that we cannot possibly overcome alone. Growing in the light and love of Christ gives comfort and peace that passes all understanding. We are able to realize that because God's got our backs, we have no cause to worry, fear or regret about the past, present or future.
2. Appreciate Everyday for all it's Worth
I know how easy it is to complain, argue or vent about something for a whole day. I'm positive we've all experienced that moment when something goes wrong or disappoints us so we let it destroy the rest of our day. Well, such actions leave us forgetting the wonderful parts of the same day that can change our perspective on life for the better. When we let things rule the way we feel, we are less likely to be grateful for much which in turn limits our minds to see the rare beauty each day brings. A good place to start would be setting a goal to write down or think up at least 5 good things that happen each day. Such behavior prompts us to appreciate every moment and the people in our lives.
3. Count the Blessings in Life
This step is very closely related to step two. There is a change we experience that lights up our day when we take time to list out the blessings we have received or witnessed in our lives or the lives of loved ones. One's mind is a precious thing and a delicate part of the body that can be easily attacked if precaution isn't taken. Counting one's blessings is a natural healing tunic that cleanses the mind of insecurity or negativity and fills it with joy and positivity. Participating in this instantly reminds us of who we are, what we can achieve, how far we've come and the people who have stuck with us through it all. Everyone needs to be encouraged every now and then and what better way to do it than to remember past or present failures and achievements.
I'm guessing this is probably one of the hardest paths to walk through. I know for a fact that there are differences when it comes to disappointment, betrayals and hurts. However, there is also big difference forgiveness makes in the life of someone wronged no matter how deep the cut goes. When we choose forgiveness instead of spite, we are actively telling negativity that it has no room in our lives. When we rule out holding grudges, we are proclaiming that life is too precious to spend even one second of it hating or despising someone who is also human and unfortunately makes mistakes they probably or will regret. It is easier said than done so it definitely will take practice, dedication, and perseverance to build. However, the worth of such a trait could never be measured.
I know difficult it is to get out of one's comfort zone to show affection to anyone, especially those you don't know very well or don't usually get along with. It can be a battle sometimes to choose whether to ignore or show some kindness. However, life doesn't give us many opportunities to do the right thing in a particular situation so it's always better to go all out knowing you did everything you could for that person regardless of if they noticed or appreciated it. It may not look like a rewarding step but it does change your attitude for the better and allows you to see life through a different lens. To be honest, those are priceless rewards that empower people to push boundaries and greater heights. Showing love more allows us a wave of gratitude that will always be remembered especially when we experience the loss.
It is super important to learn the value of things and the value of showing affection towards others in any opportunity. Life is full of ups and downs and can be very easily compared to a roller coaster. Regardless, don't let that stop you from appreciating the great, good, bad and ugly for all they are before it's too late. Don't waste any more time! Start building up a life routine that enables you to experience more joy, more laughter and more days without regrets.
