Yesterday while at the grocery store, I paid $3.99 a pound for a
tomato and almost $7.00 for a gallon of organic milk!
I know that because of fuel costs that grocery prices have been
gradually increasing but somehow it didn't really sink in until I
was wandering the aisles of the produce section.
Once the shock wore off, I did what I so often do, and asked:
What's the gift in this? I quickly realized that by paying as much
per pound for my tomatoes as I used to for meat, that I would
experience a deeper appreciation that evening when enjoying my
tomato-topped salad. I knew that I was being blessed with yet
another opportunity to pay closer attention to each precious moment
and to appreciate the abundance in my life.
As Americans we are often gluttonous in our consumption. In our
fast-paced lives it's easy to lose sight of just how very lucky we
are. Just as Al Gore helped us become better stewards for our
planet, perhaps higher prices at the gas pumps and grocery stores
(and just about everywhere else for that matter) will gently (or
not so gently) nudge us into a deeper appreciation for the wealth
we are so lucky to have.
I've often read how residents of some of our world's poorest
countries possess an inner happiness that defies their humble
surroundings. As Americans we have become numb to our abundance and
often take it for granted. Of course, I realize that not everyone
in our country is blessed with a full pantry, but I am confident
that most of us, thankfully, cannot remember going without a meal
or going to bed hungry.
What might happen if you took more time this week to pay attention
to your surroundings and consciously made a greater effort to give
thanks? What gifts might a deeper appreciation for your life bring?
Have an appreciative week,
