How often do we utter the phrase “Can you do me a favor”? Some of us do so more than others, and on some days we do so more than on other days. When a person does us a favor we say “Thank you” and feel a sense of gratitude toward the person who is helping us out. This is the way we feel; whether the person helped us by lending us a pen or donating a kidney, the feeling of gratitude is present (with an obvious difference in the level of gratitude).

       If we can feel gratitude for something as small and trivial as someone allowing us to use their pen, then why do we not feel gratitude and take for granted the life that we were given along with the other great gifts that come with it? When you walk down the street, when was the last time that you thought about how great it is to be alive, how colorful the world is, and all its different smells and tastes? I can tell you that I do not have a great answer for this myself and it’s a problem. We go through life thinking about how great our lives would be if we only had a better sense of humor or drove a nicer car, and focus on the things that we don’t have while ignoring the things we do have until we don’t have them anymore.

     Instead of looking at our neighbor and wishing that we can have what he has, how about if we take the time to appreciate what we have, instead? What if we were to appreciate our parents being alive and living under the same roof, or the friends and family that you have, that you can walk and see, are pain free, and the list goes on. There are so many things to be thankful for, why look at the things that we perceive are lacking and preventing us from being happy? Instead, take time to thank the Almighty for the unique gifts he gave each of us to deal with our unique tests that we are given in this world.

      Instead of only crying out when we need something (although HKBH wants us to turn to him in our time of need), let us take the time to appreciate being able to see, smell, and spend time with our family and friends, and when we speak to HKBH say “Thank you” for the presents he gave us.

Author: 008