Managing Blessings
During a conversation with a married couple, the wife made one small, humble comment that has stuck with me ever since. We had been getting caught up on their lives—work, raising kids, maintaining a home, caring for loved ones, planning vacations, the things they “need,” etc.
As we were talking about the stress these things can bring, she casually said, “We call it managing our blessings.” Wow! What a wonderful perspective.
We all have blessings beyond what we could have ever imagined, and probably beyond what we deserve.
It is so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day “first-world problems” that we don’t take time to stop and count the blessings all around us, and smell some roses along the way.
First-world problems are those that only people in developed countries with high standards of living experience. These problems are usually minor in comparison to those who do not have access to clean water, food, shelter, or healthcare.
Not to diminish the serious problems in life that we all have or will at some point. That is part of life. I’m talking about the stress that usually comes from all that surrounds us: our blessings.
- Car problems—We have a car.
- Problems at work—We have a job.
- House repairs—We have a home.
- Kids are driving us nuts—We have kids.
- Long wait at the doctor’s office—We have access to quality health care.
- Traffic jam—We have the freedom to travel and somewhere to go.
- Investment volatility—We have investments.
We get to eat every single day. We have friends and family we care about and who care about us. We do not fear for our safety if we go out for a walk.
Since that client meeting, I have reminded myself many times that the things I grumble about are usually wrapped in huge blessings. I now often look at everyday stresses as just managing those blessings and being grateful for all that I have.
May your blessings be manageable, and your heart filled with gratitude for all of that you have.
This is intended for informational purposes only. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this document serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Savant. Please consult your investment professional regarding your unique situation.
Kenneth R. Duetsch
Managing Partner / Financial Advisor
CFP®, CFA®, MBA