In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris.  It was two years before it was recovered – to everyone’s relief.  But what is truly amazing is that during those two years more people came to see the empty spot where the painting had hung than had come to see the actual panting in the previous twelve years.

Rabbi Dr. Mordecai E. Zeitz made an interesting observation about that.  He said, “I find this intriguing bit of information an important commentary about life.  It points to our all too human tendency to fail to take adequate note of precious things while we still have them…  The fact is, we fail to appreciate what we have until it is taken from us.  We then become painfully aware of the blank space in our lives.  Our attention becomes riveted on that “blank space.”  …The more often and the more regularly we receive any blessing the less likely we are to be aware of it.  That which is constant is easily taken for granted.”

That is a great reminder for all of us, too – especially as we have just celebrated Thanksgiving Day.  God has blessed us in more ways than we can note, and we are so blessed that we often fail to recognize just how blessed we truly are.

May our Day of Thanksgiving become more than just an annual celebration.  May it become one of many – as we give our giving God the thanks He deserves every single day.

You are loved!  And I’m praying for you!