St. Augustine's insight highlights that the joys and pleasures of life often come at a cost, typically through challenges and struggles. Elisabeth Elliot reflects on how life's disruptions can alter our perspective, making us yearn for the simplicity and normalcy of our everyday experiences. In times of turmoil, we begin to appreciate the beauty in our routine and find value in what once seemed mundane.

The author suggests that difficulties serve a purpose—they help us recognize and cherish the small pleasures that typically go unnoticed. When faced with upheaval, our longing for a return to normalcy illuminates aspects of our lives we may have previously taken for granted, revealing their inherent worth. This realization invites gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life's ordinary moments.