Not So New…

My many hydrangeas have pretty much passed their peak. Most of the flowers are no longer pale and soft. These days, fresh blooms are few. Yet, I welcome their transformation; I’ve learned to appreciate the “not so new.”

How is it that the blessings we ask God for and gratefully receive are often taken for granted as we pursue something new?

 The excitement of new love gives way as a relationship weathers the daily routine. The joy of a new baby yields to the time and fatigue required to parent properly. Even friendships can become abandoned when they are no longer “fun” and good times are few and far between.

I challenge you to look at the people and relationships in your life with a fresh perspective. Even though they may not be what they once were, you should appreciate them for all they have become.

Appreciate your home as if you’d once been homeless. Love your loved ones as if you nearly lost them. Choose to thank God for the gifts you have today instead of looking back on what was or even longing for what can be…

View that job out of gratitude, if you have one.

Love the people in your life for getting you where you need to go, coming along for the ride, or for simply tolerating you through the years!

Contentment doesn’t necessarily breed complacency. Rather, it can grant you peace and gratitude.

 Remember, new isn’t always better.

Family, friends, good books, and wine. Some things become priceless with the passing of time.

“Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” Psalms 71:9 KJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

14 comments

  2. A great reminder to count our blessings, but in a new kind of light…a fresh frame of mind! As always, a super post with great insight, Lilka!

    Steve

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  6. What a great post…Yes, I struggle with remembering to say ‘thank you’ to Abba–for all He is and all He’s given me.
    New perspective—yes!! With the way it is w/my son and new DIL I have to look at who they are now–what they are doing now..and leave the past in the past and the future to Abba.
    Love and hugs, my friend.

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    1. You are definitely not alone! We all have to work to keep things in the proper perspective. I’ll send prayers your way. We can’t undo the past. Leave the future to our Father. Let’s enjoy what we can today 🙂

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