Else you miss it

My neighbour has this cherry tree that blossoms for a week every year. After that, it returns to being just a normal looking tree. I was looking at it a few days ago and realised this was my chance to enjoy the blossom before it blows off for another year. Looking at a picture of my children taken only four years ago, they look so different to now. Are there the equivalent of passing blossoms in your life too?

It is so easy to miss good things, when the bad crowds them out. Maybe you are really stressed about something and you can’t see anything or anyone else close by. Frequently I let my troubles blind me to the good in my life. As I looked at those photos yesterday I realised that I had only a vague memory of being there. And I was, because I took the picture! Self-pity is a joy killer. Aren’t you tired of it?

Today I sat looking out my window to see my daughter cycling on her new bike. I forgot about the tears I cried earlier and just felt so happy watching her. Better even than cherry blossom.

So if the rotten things are clogging up your path to happiness, try to push them away to see the many bright, good jewels waiting to dazzle you.

As a wise friend told me when I was struggling with insomnia several years ago, Isaiah 45 V3 says it best:

‘I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.’

So keep your eyes open, and prepare to be amazed.