Taking Things for Granted

Probably every parent, if they were doing their job, told their child to not take this or that for granted.  The nature of ‘blessings’ may have then been discussed and the teaching buttressed by perhaps bringing up the plight of ‘the poor children of Africa’ who were not so blessed.  At least that’s the way I was brought up, albeit in not a particularly religious way.  And some of the same approach, with significantly greater religious emphasis, was used in teaching my children. 

 

Do we remember this teaching as adults when it could well be applied to ourselves?

One of the ways we do this in our family is to always ‘ask a blessing’ on the food we eat.  Perhaps better stated is that we acknowledge the blessing that we have food to eat.  Of course our gratitude could/should be extended to our shelter and roof over head, our having a healthy body, our freedom to move freely about, to gather together, our freedom of speech, of religion, of political choice, etc. 

 

But did you ever think about the ‘non-positive’ things that may also have been ‘granted’ us for our experience in this current life probation?  And that they, too, have the potential to be a ‘blessing’ for us?   I believe that is a real possibility.  Sometimes the greatest growth occurs as a result of our stoically facing adversity or deprivation and making the best of it believing or hoping that in the end it could bless our lives.

And we often find that it does.

If, as most Christians believe, our meritorious actions here in this mortal life will largely determine our condition in the next life, why not apply the same reasoning to looking at our condition here being largely the consequence of our valiancy or lack of it in the spirit life of our premortal existence—or, as a test that could lead to our growth or refinement of character.  Logic must allow such a possibility.  Such is the doctrine of my Church.

   

All of which takes me to the conclusion that what is ‘granted’ to us, whatever it is, can be ultimately be turned to our good.

Lemons can be turned into lemonade.

Make the best of it.