The Great Paradox

I often think of this quote when I am confronted with a loss or unmet need or desire. It's remarkable how the absence of something can incite a profound sense of gratitude. California has been in a severe drought for years. During that time, no one complained about rain because we knew we needed it. Now, it seems, we have more rain than we could hope for, which causes us (myself included!) to complain about frizzy hair, cancelled baseball games, and weather that makes you want to take naps at 9am! This is a small, albeit silly, example of the many ways we, as complex human beings, take for granted the abundance in our lives. This applies to so much--health, finances, marriage, community . . . When we don't have it, we realize how grateful we need to be. So, the challenge for all of us is to remain grateful for our current abundance, and recognize that the absence of our desires can produce the fruit of a sincere and humble gratitude.
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