If you read this blog you know that our Pastoral Care Pastor, Brian Crown, is suffering from the effects of Lou Gehrig's disease. A year ago he was perfectly healthy, and today he's barely holding on. Going through this with the Crown family has made me wonder if there are things in my life that I take for granted.
As I thought through the question of whether I take things for granted, it actually prompted another question; do I also feel entitled to certain things. It's funny how hardship kicks in your humility meter isn't it.
Here's some things I never want to take for granted:
1. Being born in the United States.
2. The amazing mother and father that raised me.
3. My beautiful and wonderful wife, and our family.
4. My twin 16 year old sons living their lives for Christ in a world where most of the students around them are not.
5. Our home.
6. My calling from God.
7. Electricity, food, clothing, transportation, sewage.
8. The freedom to worship as I please.
9. My health, and the best system of health care in the world to support it.
10. The many freedoms this country offers.
11. My job here at BAF.
So which of those am I actually entitled to?
I'm not entitled to being born in the US, the family that raised me, my wife and family, my home, my job here at the church, my health, my freedoms, electricity, food, clothing, transportation, sewage, or anything else. Brian's struggle has reminded that every single thing I have, I have because God has chosen to bless me with it, and the moment I begin to feel entitled to these things, or take them for granted, they can be taken away as fast as they were given.
John
AMEN! The 'enemy' has tried to take my life more than half a dozen times, that I can remember. I do as you when I pray. Thank Him for the air I breath, for my family, saving my life, saving me, clothing, roof over my head, electricty, water, food, transportation, living in the United States of America. Pastor Bil spoke about losing it all. I have, and I keep thanking God for what He has in store for me in the future. 'Double for your trouble' ...
Posted by: Kim | September 16, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Amen. It's way to easy here in the US to slide from gratitude to entitlement. Good word.
Posted by: Jason Forbus | March 17, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Excellent words and list. As uncertain as tomorrow may seem, today I'm incredibly grateful for all that I'm blessed with.
Posted by: Rindy Walton | March 17, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Awesome post, it's amazing how even the best of us need to be reminded every now and then. It's awesome how you are taking Pastor Brian's situation and using it to remind us of how blessed we are. AMEN
Posted by: Richard H. Wendland | March 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM