I am thankful for a lot of things. Of course, I am thankful for all the big stuff - a gracious God, loving husband, great kids and an income. But I was thinking about all of the other things that we tend to take for granted in our insulated, American world. I compiled a list of the things I often don't think twice about until I compare my life with that of someone less blessed than me.
- Running Water. I don't even have to think about where it comes from, it's just there (and clean) whenever I want it.
- Add to #1 - Hot Water. When I was visiting Tegucigalpa, Honduras, many years ago, the city conserved water by turning the supply OFF during a good portion of the day. That meant saving buckets of water the night before, and "showering" with a small container of cold water. It worked just fine - got nice and clean, including washing my hair. Amazing how adaptable we can be, eh?
- Flush Toilets. 'Nuf said.
- Air conditioning. We live in an area that hits the low 100s.
- Garbage Trucks. Just think about what our corner of the world would look like without this service.
- Shoes. Not a closet full. Just shoes to have on my feet. Oh, and....
- Socks. To keep the shoes comfy.
- The produce department.
My list could go on and on, but you get my point.
When I make a conscious effort to be thankful in all things, I know it's a big part of fulfilling the Lord's desire for my life. Psalm 100:4-5: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."
