TAKE IT FOR GRANTED
We were inches away from some of the most beautiful landscape in the country. Only a thin layer of steel and aluminum separating us, but no one seemed to care. The repetition and grind had caused everyone to take it for granted.
It was dark, but is was morning. Everyone of us were either engrossed in our smart phones, thumbs flailing, or had our heads leaned back, eyes closed. Some praying for sleep.
I’ve been in those seats so often that I too wandered in to be herded like cattle onto the commercial jet. Inevitably, someone, usually a kid, will push up the plastic window blind to take a peek at the world.
I closed my eyes and rested my head against the seat like the rest of the zombies.
As we taxied toward the runway not a single window blind was lifted. Including mine. Even when we blasted down the runway the vampires still rested their eyes. Until the teenage girl with pink nail polish in the seat in front of me cracked her blind.
The light brought my eyelids to attention… my mind too. There we were; a hop, skip, and a jump from the Pacific and the perfect view of it, and all of us had made that trip so often that none of us paid attention to it.We take our gifts and privileges for granted; including the girl in front of me. Before we got half way down the runway, she closed her blind. That’s when I opened mine.
I’ve made that trip so may times in my life there’s no way I could count the number, but that doesn’t mean I should take it for granted.
This freewill can lull us to sleep, literally, physically, and spiritually. We get used to discarding gifts like little kids. The things we once longed for sit collecting dust or end up in the give-away bag.
We tend to do the same things with the gifts of our senses. We get so used to seeing, smelling, tasting, and hearing our gifts that they lose the appeal and awe they once had.
I hoisted the shade and looked at the massive ocean. I studied it like I hadn’t in decades. It was amazing. I sat in awe of the water and the clouds that hung like angelic pillows in the blue heavens. I marveled at the city and the organized society that has spread eastward up the expansive mountains.
We take so much for granted; the majestic mountains and expansive seas. The seasons that bring snow and rain to the earth that help sustain life. The sunrise and the sunset… and each and every breath.
We turn out backs and eyes to a device that has pictures of what we’re passing through… “-Foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see-“.
Look around. Count every blessing and don’t take it for granted.
Ed
Sunday, July 23, 2017 @ 2:30 pm
I love to fly, and spend the time up there looking out and down. It is truly breath-taking sometimes to see what we are missing from a vantage point that we hardly ever reach. I love watching the desert mountains turn into green when the jet passes Texas halfway, and often wish to see what the northern states look like. Then a thrill takes over when I see the dark blue below me.
Strangely, I feel miserable when I take the flight out the opposite way.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, July 23, 2017 @ 5:14 pm
I enjoy looking out the window at the orchards and fields laid out so evenly and measured with a yard stick. I view circles and wonder what they are. Yes, coming in over the ocean brings one a view of majestic blue. Becky, Connie and I recently flew to Portland, Oregon, and there I marveled at the majestic mountains and their snow caps. We met Judie and her husband Chuck there and spent a wonderful week end as we traveled to Sisters Oregon. Then back again to take our return flight home. Thank you for your awesome post reminding us to take another look at our beautiful world – – whether we are in flight or simply driving or walking around. God has given us many gifts and we do need to appreciate them. As you say, they are not toss aways.
Pam
Sunday, July 23, 2017 @ 6:32 pm
Great advice, Floyd. We miss so much that is going on around us by focusing on those little screens. I am as guilty as the next person. Thanks for the poke in the ribs.
saleslady371
Sunday, July 23, 2017 @ 6:48 pm
Beautiful message, brother, and nudge to stay alert to God’s glory all around not only in scenery but His touches through the kindness of others, words spoken etc. I like this line: “The things we once longed for sit collecting dust or end up in the give-away bag.” Wherever you were flying to–and enjoyed this God encounter with the familiar–is a wake up call to me not to take the majestic red rocks for granted either. Hazel shared this on Facebook. It’s a great word for all of us. God bless your week!
Bill (cycleguy)
Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 4:11 am
I don’t want to take anything for granted anymore. I can’t, not after 2 accidents that could have changed life as I know it drastically. “God forgive me when I don’t see Your blessings daily. Forgive me when I see the sun but don’t see the Creator behind it all. And forgive me for not saying thanks and acknowledging You as the author of it all.”
June
Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 8:31 am
Amen, Floyd! It’s challenging at times to cultivate a grateful and thankful spirit. But it pleases our Father so much! Have a wonder-filled week!
Lisa notes
Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 9:24 am
I haven’t flown too much to get tired of those views. It’s always so incredible and puts life into perspective again. But there are many other things that I DO take for granted so your advice here is needed. Thanks, Floyd.
Laurie Moulton
Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 9:28 am
I fly a lot, and have been “spoken to” on occasion about lifting the blind, but God’s creation is just so amazingly beautiful. How can you not just want to breathe it all in? I can see God in a blade of grass, the swaying of the trees, the majesty of the mountains, in the waves upon the sea, and in all the abundance of life that He has so carefully and wonderfully made. When we start taking it for granted, we take Him for granted.
Betty Draper
Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 4:03 pm
I do get heavenly thoughts when I fly even if the flight is not so smooth. So good to fly without the heavy fear I use to get…not that I like disturbance while in that silver tube . After living so far away from the US it’s a wonderful sight to get on a plane heading home. And the close one gets the better the airplanes are. Trust me I have been on some pretty scary jets…held together by bailing wire, duck tape, you think I kid but I don’t. Any plane took us miles closer to our family. Thankful for flight. Looking forward to the heavenly flight, no silver tube, just the sound of a horn…
Dikkon
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 @ 5:57 am
Thank you, Floyd, for this important reminder. All of us breeze on through sometimes and forget to notice what we are breezing on past.
It’s important, what we are breezing on past.
Cheryl
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 @ 6:53 am
Wow. What an amazing post. Thank you for this gentle reminder to cherish everything we have been given. I am so thankful for your encouragement and edifying thoughts, brother. God bless you and your family.