Blessed

In the aftermath of the Haiti earthquakes, I've been thinking about how blessed I am. I have a house that we are able to keep warm. It's pantry is stocked. I can turn the heat to the temperature that makes me comfortable. I have beds for my kids and blankets, and soft couches and a computer and cable TV. I have running water that is safe to drink. If for some reason, I couldn't drink that water, I have a water supply in the garage. I have books to read. Movies to watch. Games to play. A yard to play in.


I read Christie's post a couple of days ago and it made me realize how blessed I am health wise. I haven't had cancer. I don't have diabetes or high blood pressure. My kids don't have asthma. I don't have to deal with autism or food allergies. None of us deal with chronic pain or insomnia. My husband is strong and healthy-mentally and physically.

I read this post that was recommended by my friend Ginna, and I realized that I've never had to face anything like that. Nothing even close to it. My children are healthy. They play, they run and bike and wrestle and yell. They have good imaginations and friends. They are smart. They get to go to school each day where it is safe and they learn and they are fed healthy food.


***

I tend to complain too much. I take what I have for granted. In reality, I need to remember that I live a very comfortable, relatively easy life. Sure, we have our problems but in the grand scheme of things they aren't really that bad. I need to take more time to give back. To serve those around me. To care for the needs of family and home and neighborhood and community. I need to be more aware. More available to the needs of others.

So today I leave you with this:

Hug your children. Kiss your husband. Say a prayer of gratitude for the blessings that you have, and remember God is good.