Thankful Monday.
Like most of you, this past holiday weekend has allowed for more contemplation about what we lucky Americans have to be grateful for. I apologize in advance for the nature of this post, but sometimes I need a reminder that I don't have it so bad.....
I complain about gas prices. I think that someday I want a bigger/nicer home. I worry about the inadequacy of the school district I might have to send my children to. I roll my eyes every time I write my co-pay checks at the Dr. office.
I have NOTHING to complain about.
I, unlike the majority of the world population, have a home. I have food. I have the ability to pay my bills.......I live somewhere that offers the services, (medical, housing, electricity), that creates those bills.
I can walk down the road with the risk of rape a distant and unlikely fear. I do not have to send my children to collect firewood -and if I did, it would not be a a gamble with their safety. For the women of Darfur, assault is a part of reality.
Over and over on the news, we hear/read about suicide bombers. For just a moment stop and imagine what it would be like to run into the grocery store for a gallon of milk and know that you may or may not be blown up- not to mention your children, friends, family or anyone else who grocery shops.
My church asks me to help with simple humanitarian projects which I put off and procrastinate. It would take me 10 minutes to sew a little stuffed ball. Somewhere in the world there is a child who really, truly has no toys. I am quite sure that child has been waiting for more than 10 minutes for someone to give him anything.
Food storage and emergency preparation is something I should do.......and not yet something that I am seeing the consequence of not having it done.
My home- very much would be considered lower class by most American standards. When our migrant worker friend stops by, he considers it a mansion.
Read the world news section on CNN or in your newspaper for just 10 minutes.
I could go on and on. I write this not to depress you or myself. I don't think that we should sit and think all day long of the horrors that occur in this world. Being aware is a good thing though. For me, it is good to take a pause in my busy world and really think about how easy I have it.
I don't know how I was lucky enough/blessed to be born in this country, but I do know that I take it for granted most days of the year. This weekend was a good chance for me to remember what I have and not what I am without.
7.06.2008
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So true! Living in a foreign country has really made me open my eyes and see how lucky we are to be American citizens. I cry when I think about leaving my Kittitian friends behind because I know they will stay here and continue to live the life they have, never knowing what life is like in my home town. I try to explain to them things but it's far to much for them to even fathom! I am happy to be an AMERICAN for better or worse because even the worst is better then alot of the worlds best!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful post! My sister is currently in Uganda serving with HELP international...and I can't even fathom what she is experiencing! I am so thankful for where I live and the opportunities we have in our FREE land. If you want to see some of her blog posts go to:
ReplyDeletetorigoestoafrica.blogspot.com
yes, she is having a great time, meeting new people and doing new things, but at the same time, it is an amazing EYE-OPENING experience that SCARES HER TO DEATH!
Yay for the USA!
That was a really nice post. Thank you for helping me to remember how blessed I am.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great post. I feel guilty when it takes something like the 4th of July to make me stop and think about all those who have fought and died for us, or think about all of those people who do not have what I have. I have often wished for a house of my own, or a bigger house, or a nicer car, or even more money so that I could have all of these things.
ReplyDeleteLast week I realized just how lucky I am. We had a family in our ward who the mother, who was 8 months pregnant, the 11 year old son, and 3 year old daughter were in a car accident where they were hit by a train. The 11 year old little boy was killed, and the mom later died after the doctors delivered the baby. Now the father, who is in the military, is left with a 3 year old and a brand new baby to take care of by himself.
I am so greatful to live where I live, to have the freedom that we do. And I am so greatful to have the gospel in my life, to be sealed to my husband, and to know that I will have my family forever.
I tried to think of a comment, but I think "Amen" pretty much sums it up.
ReplyDeleteNice post Camille.
ReplyDeleteMegan you knew those people? Ambulances were flying by my parents house when we were there. SOOOOOOO sad! And Camille good post, even though the thought of food storage and not having it when I need it makes me feel physically ill. I am very glad also that "so far" nothing has made me "wish" I had done better. This country is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that post! Last Sunday we sang The Star Spangled banner and Because I have been Given Much. I have been thinking a lot about everything you talked about... we are so incredibly blessed! And we know where much is given, much is expected! It makes you stop and think about things! I know because I have been given so much, I too must give! Thanks for the inspiration to do that!
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