Troy P Zehnder

It’s easy to take things for granted. Life has a way of lulling us into a false sense of security, making us think the things we rely on will always be there. But if there’s one thing the past few years have taught us, it’s that nothing is guaranteed.

The Basics We Overlook

Take electricity, for example. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. It’s so routine that we don’t even think about it until a storm knocks out power, and we’re left fumbling in the dark, suddenly aware of just how much we depend on it. The same goes for food. Grocery stores are stocked every day, and we assume they always will be. But remember the early days of the pandemic? Shelves emptied in hours, and staples like bread and eggs felt like luxury items.

And let’s not forget the great toilet paper shortage of 2020. Who could have imagined such a basic item would become a hot commodity? It was a humbling reminder of how fragile our supply chains—and our comforts—can be.

Relationships Are Not Exempt

But it’s not just physical things we take for granted. Relationships often fall victim to this mindset. We assume our loved ones will always be there: the friend we’re too busy to call, the parent we forget to visit, or the partner we’ve stopped saying “I love you” to. Life gets hectic, and we tell ourselves there will be time later. But what if there isn’t?

Think about your family. How often do we assume our kids will always want to cuddle, or that our parents will always be a phone call away? Children grow up in the blink of an eye, aging parents won’t always be there to answer when you call, and then there is the unfortunate tragedies that take a loved one away too soon. Each moment is precious, yet we let so many slip by unnoticed.

The Wake-Up Call

COVID-19 was a harsh wake-up call for many. It stripped away the illusion of permanence and forced us to confront the reality of loss—whether it was the loss of a loved one, a job, or a way of life. It made us appreciate the simple things: the warmth of a hug, the sound of laughter in a crowded room, the freedom to go wherever we please.

Gratitude in Action

So, how do we stop taking things for granted? It starts with gratitude. Take a moment each day to acknowledge what you have. Write it down, say it out loud, or just take a mental inventory. Thank the people in your life. Show up for them. Be present.

When you flip on the light switch, think about the power grid that makes it possible. When you sit down to eat, consider the farmers, truck drivers, and grocery workers who got that food to your table. When you hug your child, your partner, or your friend, hold on just a little longer. Take an extra moment to look at them, examine the details, create the memory that will stand the test of time. 

The Bottom Line

Life is unpredictable, and nothing is promised. But that’s not a reason to fear—it’s a reason to cherish. Don’t wait for a storm, a pandemic, or a tragedy to remind you of what’s important. Start today. Look around. Appreciate what you have. Because in the blink of an eye, it could be gone, and all that’s left is the regret of not holding it tighter when you had the chance.

Blessings,

Troy