The Secret

I don't know about you, but some books (not all, mind you!) just get better the second time around you read them, mostly because instead of trying to grasp the over-arching story line, you can spot and appreciate the hidden gems (it's all in the details, no?) you might've missed the first time. please don't tell me I'm the only one who feels this way.

anyway.

back in January, my dad gifted me a book by Carolyn Weber called "Surprised by Oxford". the memoir revolves around Carolyn (Caro, for short) finding God and faith whilst studying abroad at, well, Oxford. the book is incredibly addictive and an absorbing read and that's coming from a very picky reader. not too long ago, I picked it up again for a second time and boy, was that... eye-opening.

somewhere among the pages of the book, I stumbled upon a neat little idea I'd never really thought too much about. not too long after her conversion, Caro notes how comforting it is to kneel in prayer whenever you need it. having come from a somewhat broken family, she laments about not viewing the world from a Christian standpoint earlier on in her life. and then here's what struck me. she goes on to comment about the kids who have grown up in church all their life and how many of those kids still fret over everything and heck, even take prayer for granted. I sat there thinking, "wow, is that me?" it dawned on me then that not only was I guilty for taking prayer as granted and dismissing conversations to God as a mere routine, but many many other things as well. more often than not, I have caught myself thinking for all the things I could have instead of the things I already have.

sigh.

remember this neat little quote?

"The secret to having it all is knowing you already do."

how often does one have their eyes set on everything except the things they already have? and how often does one catch themselves wishing that they had so-and-so and who's-its and what-nots, always failing to appreciate the beautiful aspects of life already graced to them? how often does one chase after the ephemeral bits, anxious that they're missing out on something, never realizing what they're reaally missing out is everything?

I know I'm guilty.