Gratefulness
There’s a definite theme this week. Today I’m going to share some ordinary things that you can be grateful for. All may not apply to you, but perhaps one or two will strike you as things you take for granted.
Your senses
If you are reading this, you are blessed to have the sense of sight and not only can you read a computer screen, you can see all of the beauty that surrounds you. It is far too easy to take things like a sense of taste for granted, until you get a cold the day before a really extravagant dinner and can hardly taste what you’re eating! Be grateful for your ability to touch (and feel), taste, see, hear and smell things!
(Access to a) computer and internet
Although many children in North America grow up with a computer around them, it must be said that not everybody is so blessed. Being able to turn on the machine and work on it into the wee hours of the night is something I don’t take for granted (especially given my addiction to it!). If you do not own your own computer, you are probably able to access one through a local library, at school, or at a cyber café.
Electricity
It’s hard to believe, but in some countries a steady supply of electricity is not the norm. In parts of the world, people live every day with the expectation that power will go out several times before the evening is through (that is if it works at all!). This means that having a refrigerator or other appliances is not a priority. If you take a minute to think of all the things you use electricity for, you’ll be humbled by the ‘necessities’ that other people regularly live without.
Access to doctors and/or healthcare and medicine
Most people are aware of the good fortune they have in having access to not only general practioners but specialists equipped to treat all that ails them, along with nurses who help this process along. My family has personally relied on the personnel in the emergency room far too often for me to take this lightly. If you are feeling sick, you can find a place to go at any time of day or night here. Some suffer for months or years and must wait for a doctor to visit their town, or rely on the healing abilities of those who are not licensed to practice, but have learned how to treat conditions and make their own medicine. Many die because they are not able to seek medical help, or obtain it in time. Every time you take a pill to dull a headache, or clear your blocked nose, think of how lucky you are to have these supplies at your fingertips, and how blessed you are that you can consult a professional if a serious condition develops.
Life
The gift without which all these other gifts would be useless. I hope you are grateful for your life.
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