With all the warm weather we've had through the month of February, it gets me ready for Spring all the more!  I love this time of year when everything starts to come alive, bloom, and grow.  Of course, Spring also brings the dreaded sand gnats.  New to Savannah?  You'll meet them and wonder why Noah didn't swipe the two of them as soon as he got off the ark! 

It seems like the dreaded sand gnat can be pretty representative of the way things can become in life if we're not careful.  You see, when the sand gnats are out, though tiny in stature, they can begin to dominate our attention to the point that we miss the beauty of all that surrounds us.  We don't recognize the beautiful azaleas or the sunset or the insightful questions of the 8 year old beside us.  All we focus on is the insidious gnats!

So, when was the last time in your life . . . marriage . . . work . . . relationships . . . that you missed the beauty of what God had given in exchange for some tiny, inconsequential issue that is draining the life out of you?  Perhaps you miss the blessing of your spouse because of irritation over something about them that has dominated your thoughts.  Possibly you have forgotten that the job you now have which can sometimes be stressful and challenging is also the job that you prayed to receive at a time of great need in the past.  Or that child who can sometimes be the most demanding when you have the least amount of time is also the same child that melts your heart with an expression of love and admiration when you least expect it, as well. 

What has been your focus in these recent days . . . the blessings or the gnats?  I'd be willing to say that those closest to you can answer for you based on your attitude in these recent days, as well.  Try recognizing what God has given, who God has placed in your life, and don't let less significant things dominate your attention and affections.  By the way, God is more than ready to help if you only humbly ask Him.  Colossians 3:1-2 says in part, "Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above . . . Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God."  Have an "above-the-line" perspective today and don't miss the blessings while swinging at the gnats!  See you Sunday!

Pastor Brooks