Little Mysteries

Mysteries are everywhere. They are in our daily challenges, our daily routines and the scenes we view every day. The mystical surrounds us everywhere, if only we had the subtle awareness to observe. So much in life that has value is intangible. We can get caught up in literal measuring and explanations of things and events in our lives, but it is important to understand what we receive as blessings that go beyond material values. At times I can end up feeling like things are unfair, when I provide other people my time, or am generous with my resources. But it is important to remember that the exchange can go beyond what I am thinking about on these literal levels. It is easy to overlook the favors that others are doing for us, and only focus on what we are giving as output. This would be an example of a mystery. Perhaps it is mysterious how things go together, flow together and work out almost every day. I at times fail to see the real value in a friend’s advice or support. Still, when there is imbalance in the universe, we can sense this, and it feels difficult to not be frustrated with the people in our lives that seem to be taking too much. I myself as a generous person refuse to change being kind and giving, and this makes it really hard to confront a person that seems to take more than they give. But not all people are like me. Not all people show their gratitude openly, they feel entitled, are greedy or self-important. So I am searching for the mystery. God can give us challenges that do not always make sense. He can require our service in places we do not freely give. This is a stretch for us, a chance to be selfless and focus on the greater good, the mystery, and something beyond our selfish needs. Earth is not always a land flowing with milk and honey, and yet I feel this is true in my life if I focus on the bigger picture. So where is the mystery? It is the rising of the sun, the delicate typing of the ingenious design of my fingers, the love and compassion I feel for others, and my ability to give to others while giving the credit to God. It is freeing to realize that it does not belong to me, and the opportunities to give freely, without expectation, or need for reward or praise is a chance to honor something greater than ourselves. Sometimes it can be hard to find the mystery in the daily grind, and bringing my focus back to God enables me to realize that menial disappointments are not the end of the world. There is more, something greater, enigmatic and completely blessed about this day, and in remembering God, I am able to focus on the little mysteries.