GRATITUDE
Have you ever considered it deeply how many things you can really do without the assistance of others? Back in my school days, I read and enjoyed Daniel Defoe's allegory, Robinson Crusoe. In this book, no matter what Robinson Crusoe is able to do in the lonely island, he is helpless and becomes only reinforced in his efforts by the coming of the character, Man Friday. Yes. What and what can we possibly do all alone, conversation? education? provision of health services? tailoring our clothes? cutting our hair? procreation? One can go on and on and would suddenly come to the conclusion that we were made to live together with others. That said, do we also really have a right to be assisted. Perhaps, some feel so. I have even heard confessional statements from an accused person that he had to opt for stealing (even armed) because everybody seemed to be doing so fine without ever caring about him or sharing some of their monetary excesses with him.
When we meditate on the realization that in spite of society and having to live together with others, we owe others appreciation or gratitude. Sometimes, we take people close to us for granted - our parents, our spouse, our friends and even our government. We often abuse our leaders and often allege that they are doing too little to provide us with comfort. Though, one does not wish to sound political or endorse the corruption of some of our leaders, but do we really take stock of some of the good things that they have at least achieved for the society and mutter some appreciative words (even if unheard).
Then,what about the greatest gifts we often take, as given? The Life, Light and Love of God that stream to us daily, whether we are saints or sinners. Do we keep still and pour out Gratitude to the God of our hearts- a term Rosicrucian students love to use, since we all do have different conceptions of the Almighty.
Do all you can yourself, starting from this day, to make life easier for others especially your immediate neighbour - at home, at work or in the streets.
Go to a quiet corner and enumerate in your mind several things done for you without your knowledge to make your life a lot more convenient. It could be: that make-up bridge over a flooded area put in there by nobody, a tree that had fallen across the road the previous day suddenly moved away the next day..Again, by a nobody. Then pour out gratitude, gratitude and more gratitude. What about your wonderful body..your hands, your legs, your heart that have worked all these years of your existence without seemingly complaining. Send loving thoughts of gratitude to each part of your body with love and eventually to God of your heart for sustaining your life. Whatever our situation in life, show appreciation and gratitude. It could have been worse. Keep showing love and gratitude to one another as I bid you, WELCOME TO MY WORLD...
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
.gif){kind=small}
