Appreciation

Some friends of mine have 2 sons. Their oldest son is about 3 and a half which makes him just a couple months older than Evan (my youngest). About a year ago, this oldest son was diagnosed with autism. I got to spend some time with them over Christmas break and he was dramatically different from the last time we saw them just 8 months ago. You don't have to spend much time with the mom to tell that it is really really really hard. My heart just breaks when I think about them. I've got three healthy kids and it makes me feel guilty for times that I've taken them or their health for granted.

This week our prayer topic is appreciation. Too often we lament what we don't have and take for granted what we do have. Let's pray that we learn to appreciate the many gifts God has given us - children, significant others, material things, salvation, etc. It's hard in our affluent society because our abundance breeds apathy. Sometimes it takes hardship to wake us up to what's truly important. Since hardship wakes us up, we can come to appreciate hardship as Paul did - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3. He knew that even when his situation was dismal by worldly standards, God was still doing a work in him. Ultimately, what he is appreciating is God's love.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob