I was driving in the car the other day and heard a radio commercial come on for a new pill that is supposed to help take care of stress. For some reason this got me thinking about the instant gratification society we seem to be living in today. Paying attention you can see the desire for instant and easy fixes all over. The diet industry is raking in billions every year promising great results with little effort or a simple pill. Phone companies continue to talk about increasing the speed of their services. Internet companies tempt us with faster and faster speeds. And several times in my line of work as a counselor, I found people coming in wanting me to just give them a pill to help with their depression, stress, or addiction. People driving seem to be striving to be just a little faster than the next guy, can't get behind anyone else, and seem to be in a hurry all the time.
While it's true there are many advantages to the technology that we have grown accustomed to and the speed with which things are done now, I have wondered at what costs have these advancements come? As I ponder about the events in my own life that have deeper meaning to me, they tend to be events and situations that did not happen quickly and have instant results. I have been blessed to have gained an education that has given me the ability to think, reason, and be open to further learning in all areas of my life. This education was not something I obtained instantly but over many years. It wasn't always evident at the time how this education would influence me and I really didn't see many results at the time. I have taught myself to play guitar over several years. This is a skill that I treasure and as I look back, I know there were many times where I picked up my guitar expecting to play like a professional and wondering why I couldn't. Over the years of practicing, trial and error, and continued efforts I have come to the point where I can play well enough to satisfy my desires. I have grown into a rather fine man (depending who you ask) who has a talent for caring about others. This is a talent that continues to be something I work on and refine. This ability was not something that came instantly and because of the time and effort I have put in, I am much more grateful for the gifts I have.
As I look around the world at the many wonders that abound, I continue to recognize that the greatest things in life are not to be found in the instant moments, the quick responses. The changing of the seasons happens in a gradual way and because of that I am able to watch a stark and barren land grown from drab browns and grays to spots of green and onward to a lush covered mountain side. I can watch flowers begin with little sprouts, stretching toward the heavens until their colorful faces blossom forth and they release their delicate fragrance to be enjoyed. A sunset or sunrise does not happen all at once. Slowly through the passage of time it changes ever so slightly and yet is one of the most beautiful events you can see.
I believe in this modern era of instant results, quick gratifications, and feigned rushed importance there are so many of us that have forgotten just what it really takes to find the blessings of life that are there for the taking. If we but put forth some effort (sometimes little, sometimes a lot) and more importantly time, the miracles that may be accomplished are truly amazing. And we are able to take some pleasure in knowing we helped in their creation. By this, these events can truly be emblazoned on our hearts which we then can carry with us throughout our lives and share with others in truly meaningful ways.
I hope that as life continues to progress that we all can continue to understand that the most meaningful things in our lives (children, love, intelligence) won't come instantly, they will arrive through effort and time. And because of that, we will appreciate and love them even more.
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