A colleague’s brother lost his home and all his possessions in a tragic fire. Everyone was safe but the loss was staggering. What did he miss most of all the things that were gone? His tools. Tools are a collection of items that collect over years or even generations — they aren’t something you can go out and replace. It’s likely he never appreciated his ability to grab the right implement for the job or have the one nail he needed to hang a picture without having to buy a new box, but after his workshop was gone, he acutely realized the value.
Everyday items become more precious when we are unable to have them. A friend who now lives abroad missed Junior Mints and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese when she first moved. Those cravings have weaned but now Lance’s peanut butter cheese crackers and Duncan Hines Blueberry Muffin Mix are her longings — foods that were just regular parts of her routine when she lived here.
Another friend and her family are on a year-long adventure around the world. When a friend from the States visited them, she fulfilled their requests of Yahtzee and Jolly Ranchers. Who knew what people would miss?
It’s rarely the big stuff in life that catches us in the throat, but rather what we take for granted. Those who are happiest appreciate the ordinary that is in front of them, instead of only when they are missing it.
