September 21, 2008 Counting My Blessings

I am truly blessed.

Not that that is any great new realization or anything--I've know it for a long time. But lately, reading about the destruction from Hurricane Ike down in Texas and other states, about people who lost EVERYTHING, it really hit me just how blessed I am.

I have a wonderful, loving family who I can count on. We are all reasonably healthy. We get along great. We are able to get together and do fun things, vacations, etc.

I have friends who are there for me in good times and bad, through thick and thin (literally!!). They offer advice, share ideas, keep secrets, and make my life infinitely more wonderful.

I have a beautiful, intact home. I live in a safe neighborhood, where I can leave my back door wide open for the whole day and come home and no one has broken in. I'm not in a high risk area for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, forest fires, or other natural disasters. My neighbors are good, friendly people who wave as we pass and are happy to help each other if needed.

I have financial security. I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, or how I will pay the mortgage. I can meet my children's needs, and many of their wants. I can give to others in need.

I am healthier than at any other time in my life. My blood pressure, cholesterol and other labs are great. My arthritis has not impeded my exercise. I am able to go to the gym and the pool and walk all over the place.

I have an education that not only allowed me to have a career, but also sparked an interest in other things like history, travel, reading.

I found a community of people with goals like mine, where I can give and get support in reaching my goals of health, fitness and weight loss. And with that support, I've been successful far beyond what I'd dreamed of.

Sure, my life isn't perfect, but whose is, really? No one I know, that's for certain! But when my kids drive me nuts, or some driver cuts me off, or dinner doesn't turn out right, I stop and think, "does this REALLY matter, in the long run?" And I think of all the blessings I DO have, and I thank God for every one of them, and I ask His blessing on those who don't have what I have. We're spending billions of dollars on a Presidential election. What a waste. Think of the people in Haiti whose country has been decimated by hurricanes this year. Think of people in Africa starving. Think of babies in China drinking poisoned milk. Think of the people in Texas, Lousisiana, and elsewhere who had unwanted visitors named Ike, Gustav, Hanna, Fay (and that's just this year). And think of what a difference those billions of dollars could make.

I don't have a billion dollars. No one else I know has that much either! But many of us have more than we need. If you're one of those people, count your blessings. And then do something to help someone else. Volunteer. Make a donation. Stand up for what you believe in. Make a difference! May God richly bless each of you, as He has me.

www.portlight.org (Hurricane Ike relief in smaller towns that FEMA and the media have ignored)
www.lambifund.org (helps the people in Haiti)
www.salvationarmyusa.org
www.redcross.org
www.aspca.org
www.worldvision.org
www.savethechildren.org

Together, we CAN make a difference!