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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Taking People and Things for Granted

A dear friend lost his father last week.  I did not know his father, but I know my friend, and I am sad knowing how much he must be hurting.  He never imagined a few months ago that his father would be gone so soon.

It is so easy to take people and things for granted.  I am very spoiled.  I know it.  I have a husband who I adore and who treats me like a queen.  I have two healthy children and four beautiful grandchildren.  I have a beautiful home, and although I’m not wealthy, I’m not struggling to pay my bills.

I have a wonderful brother and a sister.  I used to have two sisters. My “big” sister died a few years ago way too young, and I miss her every day.  I am so glad that while she was with us, I didn’t take her for granted.  We spoke every day, at least once, until the day she died.

I do take some things for granted though.  I know I will always have food to eat and a roof over my head.  I have never had to truly struggle to survive, and I seldom think about it. 

Most people don’t give much thought to what’s happening around the world, and Americans may be the worst.  I am saying this as an American myself.  I KNOW there are people starving, who are in pain, who are suffering and living in unimaginable conditions.  But most of the time, I just go on living my life, taking it for granted.

Sure, I give my time and money, but not enough of either.  When I take the time to really think about everything I have, I am very grateful for where I was born, for the family that raised me, and for the good health that enabled me to work hard to be able to afford what I have today.

So, today, I’m taking some time to be truly grateful for all the things I normally don’t give a moments thought.  I have to clean my house, but I have a house to clean!  I have to put expensive gas into my car, but I have a car and the money to fuel it.  I have to prepare dinner and clean the kitchen afterward, but I have the food to cook and a place to prepare it.

Perhaps you too would like to take just a little time today to be grateful for those people and things you normally take for granted.    

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