COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
BY GRACE BURTT- DYKSTRA
At one point in my life, within a two year period, I lost five close family members. Granted the majority had lived rich full lives nevertheless the grief was still severe. My brother died at the very age I am today, one Christmas Eve, of a brain aneurism. He hadn't been sick a day in his life. I learned, through those exsperiences, nothing makes you appreciate life more than death.
As a child I rarely had the opportunity to travel outside my neighborhood. Our family just didn't have the financial resources to travel and we didn't own a car. Once I became an adult and had my own resources I let my community for greener pastures. Although I didn't travel the world extensively I was fortunate enough to travel through many of the U.S. States, across Canada a few times, travel north to the Yukon and visit several European countries. I learned,through those experiences, nothing makes you appreciate home more than being away.
My parents were very religious and as a teenager I described them to my friends as 'fanatics'. I was not allowed to do the things many youngsters take for granted. Sundays were sacred; no-one turned a hand at any type of work and we all attended services as a family not only for the morning service but Sunday school mid afternoon and evening service as well. I learned, through those experiences, nothing makes you appreciate God more than the power of prayer.
Life wasn't always easy; some days almost too difficult to bear. Raising two children alone had its challenges to say the least. That's when i called on my friends, leaned on my loved ones and searched for answers. I learned, through those experiences, nothing makes you appreciate your friends more then life's adversities.
I expended a lot of negative energy viewing the dark side of clouds. It took a few years to see the silver lining and the good in everything, no matter how bad a situation was. And at times in my life, when I was wronged, I sought revenge with mean and spiteful words. I learned through those experiences, I was hurting no-one but myself.
Apart from the fact that 'money doesn't buy happiness'; probably the most important lesson I have learned over the years is that we all have choices. And we can make those choices consciously.
We choose good over evil, we choose love over hate, we choose happiness over unhappiness, we choose success over failure, we choose strength over weakness, we choose to see the silver lining in the cloud rather than the storm.
Someone sent me the following little verse and since it is appropriate I would very much like to take this opportunity to pass it on to you. Within it may you find a few words of wisdom to help you on your life's journey.
IF YOU WOKE UP THIS MORNING WITH MORE HEALTH THAN ILLNESS, YOU ARE MORE BLESSED THAN THE MILLION WHO WON'T SURVIVE THE WEEK.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE DANGER OF BATTLE, THE LONELINESS OF IMPRISONMENT, THE AGONY OF TORTURE OR THE PANGS OF STARVATION, YOU ARE AHEAD OF 20 MILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
IF YOU ATTEND A CHURCH MEETING WITHOUT FEAR OF HARASSMENT, ARREST, TORTURE, OR DEATH, YOU ARE MORE BLESSED THAN ALMOST THREE BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.
IF YOU HAVE FOOD IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR, CLOTHES ON YOUR BACK, A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD AND A PLACE TO SLEEP, YOU ARE RICHER THEN 75% OF THIS WORLD.
IF YOU HAVE MONEY IN THE BANK, IN YOUR WALLET, AND SPARE CHANGE IN A DISH SOMEPLACE, YOU ARE AMONG THE TOP 8% OF THE WORLD'S WEALTHY.
IF YOUR PARENTS ARE STILL MARRIED AND ALIVE, YOU ARE VERY RARE.
IF YOU HOLD UP YOUR HEAD WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND ARE TRULY THANKFUL, YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE THE MAJORITY CAN, BUT MOST DO NOT.
IF YOU CAN HOLD SOMEONE'S HAND, HUG THEN OR EVEN TOUCH THEM ON THE SHOULDER, YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU CAN OFFER GOD'S HEALING TOUCH.
IF YOU CAN READ THIS MESSAGE, YOU ARE MORE BLESSED THEN OVER TWO BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT CANNOT READ ANYTHING AT ALL.
YOU ARE BLESSED IN WAYS YOU MAY NEVER EVEN KNOW.
Unknown "my lil EMO" Purring
- 16 years, 3 months, 26 days ago
DAY! 
