Grace and peace, Saints.

Going into this new year, many of us reflected on last year intent on doing better this time around. We did the same thing last year, when we looked back on 2014 and determined to do better in 2015. We set goals, we established priorities, we made lists, and we set boundaries and limitations on ourselves governing everything from food intake to home energy consumption. We determined to get more exercise, to be nicer to our neighbors, to spend more time with our families, and to get a hobby. We decided to finally write that book, plant that garden, build that shed, and fix those stairs. We decided to get more done.

But if you think about it, while getting more done is a good thing, sometimes the best thing you can do is less.  Sometimes it’s better to work less, to travel less, to worry less. To just stop and smell the roses.  Sometimes it’s best to think less about getting more, doing more, and being more, and concentrate on appreciating what you already have: relatively good health, “three hots and a cot,” and the freedom to come and go as you wish.

If you are fortunate to be one of the reported 5% of the world with spare change in their pocket, perhaps it would be a wake-up call to reflect on what that means and to try to imagine what it must be like to be in that 95% who has never known that kind of a blessing. Sometimes it is enough to appreciate having a roof over your head, clothes on your back, shoes on your feet, and food in the fridge.

Did you know that the simple act of brushing your teeth is a blessing? It is. If you brush regularly, it is likely that you are eating regularly. Consider how many people in the world don’t have to worry about brushing their teeth daily.

We all want to have a good life. We all would like to have a good-paying job that we love, a nice house, a new car, and a fat bank account. While nothing is wrong with any of those things, we should not lose sight of the most important thing: Freedom; for without it, none of the other things would be possible.

Some of the greatest privileges in the world are being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, raise your own children, live where you please, come and go as you like, and, most importantly, worship the God of your choice. Remember that. Cherish that. Appreciate that. And thank God for that.

This reminder was brought to you by the same Person who brought you air, water, and life: the Lord Jesus Christ. When was the last time you said, “Thank you, Jesus?”

If you don’t know the Lord Jesus as your Savior, consider doing so today. It will be the best decision you ever made.

Be encouraged and look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.

The Still Man