Being Thankful for What You Have and Where You Are

I don’t have, and never have had, difficulty in admitting my weaknesses.  They’re mine. Not only did I give birth to them, I give them a comfortable place to rest their heads.

For one thing, I am entirely too laid back (I got that from my dad). I lack any sort of desire to “get ahead.” Like my dad, “ahead” never appealed to me – where I am at the moment is always paradise to me. When my husband and I were first married, we lived in a tiny apartment in Rantoul, Illinois. A tiny, unassuming apartment in a tiny, unassuming town. When he mentioned that we’d soon be moving when he was stationed at another base, I remember thinking, “I don’t want to go anywhere. I love this tiny apartment, this tiny town, and the tiny grocery store I shop in.”

Be that as it may, we moved to the beautiful, much larger, town of Wichita, Kansas for a few years. Once again, it became my paradise and I saw no reason to leave it behind. We moved a great deal (a great, great, great deal), so I had numerous paradises and numerous places I hated to leave.

While this laid back, I’m perfectly content with what I have and where I am attitude bewildered my husband (who is my complete opposite – Go, go, go!!! Higher, further, faster!!!) – I maintain that it’s better than the person who is never satisfied, never content. They’re always looking ahead for some elusive dream, while failing to realize that what they have IS the elusive dream for millions of people.

If you ever feel discontent about what you have or don’t have, do yourself a huge favor. Think of millions of people across the world. Imagine them leaving their village, homeless shelter, park bench, or wherever they lay their head at night and stepping into your life. Envision their faces when they feel your air-conditioning or heat, imagine a child’s smile as she drinks clean water from your kitchen sink, and the laughter of a little boy as he watches cartoons on television. Imagine the sleep each one would enjoy in a soft, warm, and perfectly safe bed at night.

I’ve always felt that people should broaden their horizons and learn more about what’s going on in the world – all over the world… not just Hollywood. If more people were aware of how men, women, boys, girls, babies, and animals have to suffer- I’m pretty sure everyone would complain a lot less.

My writings, my opinions, and me – we’re all as humble as the little town of Rantoul we once lived in. I don’t overestimate anything I ever say or write. However, I’d like to propose a challenge to the men and women who profess their brilliance, power, and income in the media and on their websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The pictures of their cars, vacations, and homes are lovely and I swear on my next cup of coffee, I’m thrilled for anyone who finds happiness – however they define the word. What I’d truly LOVE to read and see, however, is how they’re using this success to make the world a better place for people who are truly in need.

A picture of children you’re sponsoring and endangered animals you’re fighting for?  Beats the paint off of your sports car, yacht, or vacation spot.

Just a thought.