Not as they seem

Things are not always as they seem.  We see other people succeeding and wonder why they have it so easy.  We watch TV or social media and see highlights and wish we had that life.  We know those who have financial wealth and think about what it may be like to be in that position.  We have views of how it is on the other side.  And yet, we really have no idea.

I was reading the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis.  Abraham and his crew are traveling with Lot, his nephew.  They have so many possessions (livestock, workers, etc) they need to not live in the same place.  They need to split up and live in their own lands.  They come to a neutral spot and Abraham gives Lot first pick.  He can look around and choose where he would like to live.  It is completely up to him.  Lot chooses the place which looks best.  It seems to be fertile, beneficial, and ready to go.  Abraham goes the opposite way.  The problem is – where Lot chooses seems to be wonderful from the outside but is corrupt and deceiving on the inside.  It turned out Lot was taken captive and eventually the entire area was destroyed.  

The view looked good from a distance.  The things other people have look attractive from where we sit.  The possessions look appealing for those without.  But there is definitely more to the view.  Often, those things are not healthy for us, they are not meant for us, and they would prove to be detrimental.  We don’t know it though.  So this is where we can begin to listen to God.  Abraham was the first noted who invoked the name of God.  He called upon him.  He sought him.  It was accounted to him as righteousness.  Abraham listened.  He didn’t always get it right but he paid attention.  

Maybe we step back and realize the gifts we have right before us.  We may find abundance in mercy, grace, and love.  And we may realize our place we are now is right where we need to be.