Value What You Have

The owner of a small business, a friend of the poet Olavo Bilac, met him on the street and asked him: “Mr.Bilac, I need to sell my small farm, the one you know so well. Could you please write an announcement for me for the paper?”

Bilac wrote: “For Sale, a beautiful property, where birds sing at dawn in extensive woodland, bisected by the brilliant and sparkling waters of a large stream. The house is bathed by the rising sun. It offers tranquil shade in the evenings on the veranda.”

Some time later, the poet met his friend and asked whether he had sold the property? To which he replied: “I’ve changed my mind when I read what you had written, I realized the treasure that was mine.”

Appreciate What You Have

Sometimes we underestimate the good things we have, chasing after the miracles of false treasures. We often see people letting go of their children, families, spouses, friends, profession, their knowledge – accumulated over many years, their good health & all the good things in life. They throw out the window what God has given them, so freely! Things which were nourished with so much care & effort.

Look around, appreciate what you have: your home, loved ones, friends whom you can really count, the knowledge you have gained, your good health & all the beautiful things of life, that are truly your most precious treasure. We can no longer shower kindness on those we love after they have died. It is useless to want to re-do the work that we may have done negligently. It’s best to appreciate and do things well now!

Ask God at every moment that our problems & concerns never degenerate into feelings of sadness & anxiety. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Be in union with God, who will provide the courage needed to be certain of victory in the struggle, cause God will give with abundance what we need.

We are all imperfect. Always praise & value your loved ones. Do all you can to make it even better. See what you can do to improve your environment instead of complaining. Instead of isolating yourself, because of weakness or failure, seek to invest in true & constructive friendship in your life.

Faith in God is necessary to strengthen self-esteem, in dealing with daily problems.

BE WITH GOD & MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!