Reflections from Hawaii

We finally made it home after a looooong time in the airport and on airplanes but that is another post for another time. We are still recovering from major jet lag and the time change but really, I'm not sure we can be complaining after spending nearly 2 weeks in Hawaii. . .:)
One of the last nights we were there, we were up late discussing the beauty of Hawaii. We were discussing how Katie and others who have lived there awhile have grown accustomed to the beauty around them and are able to go about their daily lives without noticing God's creation and the amazingness of it. We got to talking about how we all do that. How it's so easy to become complacent with God's beauty and the blessings he has provided us through nature, relationships, experiences, etc. To me it sounds crazy for Katie to be longing to be back in Kansas, away from Hawaii. However I have not lived in Hawaii for a year and a half. It's easy to get caught up in what we DON'T have and forget about or refuse to acknowledge the blessings right in front us. For those of you who have lived or been to Kirksville, you know how easy it is to bash it. I know as we were discussing coming back, we initially were discussing how crappy the midwest is and how we would love to just live in Hawaii. However as we continued to talk and make a conscious effort to recognize the great things that the midwest provides, we realized that at times our hearts and attitudes are not where they need to be. We also discussed how easy it is to become stale in our relationship with Christ because it's not "new " anymore. Sometimes I really have to make an effort to read my bible, exhibit the fruits of the spirit, or worship God with no distractions. I remember when I first became a Christian. Man, I was on fire and could acknoweldge God's presence all around me! Now it's too easy to go about my daily life without giving God the praise he deserves for the blessings he has placed in my life.And not just the blessings but for the hope he has given me, the way he has changed me, disciplined me, cared for me, provided for me.
Our talk prompted this from both us; to be more conscious and aware of God's presence in our lives. To look more towards the postive things and quit seeing the negative in everything. To give God the honor and glory he deserves, regardless of our circumstance in life.
God really tested that the day after we made that conscious decision. As we were waiting in the Phoenix airport for 10 hours, we had to laugh out loud. Be careful what you pray for because you just might get it!!