Gratitude

So last night while Hayley and I were getting ready for bed, we were talking about needing to remind ourselves about all the good things that have happened during the day, so we decided to start writing gratitude journals. And as I was writing in mine, I came to this realization:


I am LUCKY.

I am BLESSED.

I mean I've realized it before, but it was just one of those things where I hadn't really thought about it in a while. I started writing out just some simple things that I'm grateful for, like waking up on time to get to church, or being able to have a good laugh with some friends we had over last night to play games. So I was thinking about it a lot and it just made me really grateful for my life and for all the things that people (including me) take for granted.

For example: toilets.

There are people in the world who have never had indoor plumbing. Ever. Yet here in America it's one of those things that people don't even think about NOT having. Imagine watching a TV show like "House Hunters" on HGTV and the Realtor walks through a house with a couple and saying, "And the home owners just added a new addition to the house: a brand-new toilet!" and then the couple "oohs and ahhs" for a second because they've heard about people having one of those, but they've only seen pictures of it until now. Would you think that's weird? Before last night, I think I would have.

Another thing I take for granted: school.

I've been going to school since I was three (if we're counting pre-school), and there are times where I whine about it. "This teacher's stupid, this homework is pointless, I don't want to be here, blah blah blah" you name it. I've probably complained about it. But what do I really have to complain about? There are little girls in foreign countries who would give anything to take my place in school. But those little girls can't go to school, because they have to take care of their younger siblings, or they're not allowed because of their gender, or there simply isn't a school nearby. I have been completely ungrateful for years for the fact that I have known how to read since I was five. I can do basic math. I can write my thoughts in (semi)coherent sentences. Not everyone can do that.

And you know the thing I've taken for granted the most? love.

I'm not talking about love like "I'm in love with you, please stay with me forever," love. I'm talking about the love my family has for me, and I for them. I've never felt like my parents don't care about me. In fact sometimes I think they've cared too much. They've loved me since they knew that I existed as little embryo inside my mother's uterus. They've clothed me. They've fed me. They've held me close and wiped away my tears. They've listened to my fears and doubts and then encouraged me. They've reminded me countless times of how much they love me. Some kids go their entire childhoods hearing their parents argue. Some kids beg for their parent's attention for just a few minutes. I have never lacked in attention from my parents. I have honestly never heard my parents yell at each other. And for that, I'm lucky.

I know now that I've had a really great life. What do I have to complain about, really? The good things in my life have definitely outweighed the negative things.

So I encourage anyone who reads this to take a few seconds and list just a couple things you're grateful for. Before you know it, you'll have a huge list. Maybe you'll realize you're lucky, just like me. :)

--Kendra