Some Blessings cannot be Bought

Some Blessings cannot be Bought

1989 4 April 14 Some Blessings cannot be Bought (436) People the world over tend to take for granted whatever benefit are provided by their environment. It is only when they are deprived of these thing that they suddenly recognize their true value. Sometimes it is only when death comes to calm them that they appreciate what blessings have been constantly showered upon them in this world. It is only at that point that the realization comes to them – too late – that if the good things of life had always come their way, it was because their Maker had so willed it.

The Ivory Coast, once known for its glittering array of shops and houses, was all of a sudden plunged in gloom in December 1983 when a severe drought brought the nation’s hydroelectric stations to a standstill. When the turbines stopped running, electricity was in such short supply that sometimes there were power cuts of anything up to 18 hours. Industrial production was reduced by 65 % and houses and shops had to be lit by lanterns. Computers, electric typewriters, refrigerators and other gadgets simply ceased to operate. For fear of being caught in the lifts, many businessmen gave up going to their offices. A weary commuter, explaining his situation to a New York Times Correspondent, said “For years, I had gone from my air-conditioned villa in my air-conditioned car to my air-conditioned office. I never realized how hot it really is here.” He had simply taken it for granted that the 92% of the natural electricity supplied by the Ivory Coasts power stations would always be available on a non-stop basis and that life would go on for ever and ever in the same comfortable, convenient, pleasurable way. His mind had never for a moment dwelt upon the artificiality of his life. It was only when he found himself in stifling heat and appalling darkness and bereft of all the other comforts and conveniences which are provided by a regular supply of electricity, that he realized that the world was a very different place from what he had imagined it to be.

People the world over tend to take for granted whatever benefit are provided by their environment. It is only when they are deprived of these things that they suddenly recognize their true value. Sometimes it is only when death comes to claim them that they appreciate what blessings have been constantly showered upon them in this world. It is only at that point that the realization comes to them – too late – that if the good things of life had always come their way, it was because their Maker had so willed it.