Saturday, January 16

It's all relative

This past Monday morning, my husband and I flew to Florida. Just the two of us. My husband has quite a few clients who spend the winter months in Florida, and I was privileged to accompany him on a trip. We felt like such grown-ups, jetting off to Florida on a cold morning in January.

It was 18 degrees when we left home on Monday morning. Now that's cold in North Carolina. Unfortunately, Florida has been experiencing some record-breaking cold, so we weren't exactly tempted to break out the swimsuits. You've never seen so many mink coats on the streets of Palm Beach. But one of the lessons of this vacation for me is that the old cliche' is true: everything is relative. The weather in Florida was mostly in the 60's while we were there, and the Floridians were complaining like crazy. But, boy, did it feel good to us!

We stayed in a lovely little hotel built around a beautiful courtyard:



And one day we walked over to The Breakers, the famous Palm Beach landmark hotel, and ate at their beach club. Here's the view from our table:



One day we were window-shopping on Worth Avenue and saw this car parked on the street:




This antique Mercedes was exceptional even for Palm Beach, but there were new Mercedes on every street corner. We saw a number of Rolls-Royces. We lost count of the number of Bentleys we saw. And we got a kick out of the fact that the Publix had valet parking.

Funny how a few days in luxury setting like Palm Beach can make things seem awfully plain and un-luxurious at home. I mean, I have to turn down the covers for myself at night. No one snaps to attention and holds the door for me when I approach the front of my house. I have to park my own car at the grocery store, for crying out loud.

But oh, how the news accounts of the earthquake in Haiti jerked my perspective right back into line. Now I'm wondering: why is it so easy for me to compare my lot to that of the ultra-wealthy and to concentrate on what I don't have? How dare I forget just how blessed I am?

I pray for the suffering people of Haiti and all over the world. And I pray that God forgive my lack of gratitude for all I have and enlarge my heart to greater generosity toward those in need.

12 comments:

  1. You always have the best words. That's why I like you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so right, we are so blessed. It's hard to even watch what is going on in Haiti. My heart hurts for them.
    Enjoy your posts so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i have to echo what the other ladies said... you always know the right things to say and are always gracious ~ in reevaluating my blog reading choices for this year... yours remains on top for perspective and reminders of how to live life ~ gracefully!
    many blessings
    patricia

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel the same way. I am trying to be happy with what I have (As my new blog header says) and be thankful for all of my many blessings. I feel so badly for the people of Haiti. I wish that I could go over there and help in some physical way. It is so sad.

    Hugs,
    Lee Laurie

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have a great way of putting things into perspective. :) I'm glad you got some time away with your husband. The view from The Breakers is lovely. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. So true. Glad you had a safe trip. I'd love to know what part of NC you live in - we're from Rocky Mount now living in SC but still have family there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is definitely the truth we are so blessed. Every little bit counts and just waking up to another wonderful day is a blessing within itself. Come check out my blog www.carribear0620.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. You did deserve that time away... life is about joy too!
    My husband and I were just talking about a getaway too, I'm so glad you posted this. Because now I've been feeling guilty.

    ReplyDelete
  9. and just as an fyi , I usually blog at talk at the table

    ReplyDelete
  10. I agree, Richella. It's so easy to get caught up in what we don't have, instead of focusing on all that we DO have. It's something that we have to ask the Lord to help us with everyday.
    I'm glad you had a good time with your hubby though! :)
    Traci

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh yes... blessings galore! humbling, isn't it? sounds like you were somewhere pretty fancy! at my publix i have to park my own car. and hike out to it lugging my groceries! i was not one of the complaining floridians... i kind of enjoyed the chill... but i wish it had been just a bit warmer for you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. *new reader here enjoying your blog* :)

    I feel the same way. Too often I catch myself looking at other houses, and dreaming of what it would be like to have more money and fancy things. I forget to simply be thankful for what God has provided for me. He has blessed me with the most wonderful husband a girl could wish for. All of our needs are met. We have a roof over our head, and plenty of food in the fridge. God is so wonderful and generous! Sometimes I just have to catch myself and remind myself to be thankful for my blessings instead of selfishly wanting more.

    I am glad that you had a fun and safe trip!!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I read every one; they make my day. If you have a specific question, please be sure your email address is attached to your profile or leave your email address in the comment; I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Every blessing!