Reflections By Dr. Richard Reed

October 09, 2006

How Do I Not Notice

How do I not notice…your thoughtfulness?

You gift me the most incredible sunsets, something unique each night, and often,

I don’t even look.

How do I not notice…your endless care?

Your gift me an abundance of food everyday, and I complain that I’m putting

on weight.

How do I not notice…your unconditional love?

You gift me a family who loves me, even though they are often the ones I treat

the worst.

How do I not notice…your incredible intelligence?

You gift me with a remarkable body, so intricate and complex, and I abuse it in

more ways that I care to admit.

How do I not notice…your constant protection?

You gift me with a home to provide shelter, security, and comfort, and I complain

it takes too much time and money to maintain.

How do I not notice…your power?

You gift me with sunshine, and I say it is too hot;

rain, and it’s too damp;

thunder and lightning, and it causes my cable to go out;

snow, and it is messy and hard to get to work.

How do I not notice…your faithfulness?

You gift me with intelligence and I use it to scheme against others;

sometimes even to rationalize your miracles, or worse, take credit for them.

How do I not notice…your majesty?

You gift we with the ability to bring a life into the world, and I decide if it is what

I want.

How do I not notice…your generosity?

You gift me with your supernatural favor, and I say it is just good luck.

How do I not notice…your patience?

You gift me with the privilege to talk to you and I often don’t find the time, unless

I need something.

How do I not notice…your love?

You gift me with everlasting life by having your son die for me and I don’t tell

everyone this good news.

How do I not notice…your forgiveness?

You gift me with your spirit, to live inside me, to advise me and guide me, and

I quench its fire with my sin, fears, and disobedience.

How do I not notice…your endurance?

You gift me with free will and continue to watch every step, knowing you will have

to pick me up each time I fall.

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Hebrews 13:!5