I have been taught that we are all blessed; some more than others, it would seem. However, everyone on the face of the planet, has at least one thing he or she could be thankful for. Another well-learned lesson is that being thankful is a prerequisite for future blessings. An old gospel song states” … the blessings will come down as the praise goes up…” and similarly the importance of gratitude can be measured from the platitude “it is more blessed to give, than to receive.” It is my hope, that even though we as human beings like to receive more than we give; that we at least express our thanks as much as we receive. Following are the five things that I am perpetually thankful for.
- Life
One of the first things I am thankful for is life, for without life, there is nothing. As long as we can awake and can breathe in a new day, our world is filled with promise. Encyclopaedia Britannica has defined life as “living matter that shows certain attributes which include responsiveness, growth, metabolism, energy transformation, and reproduction,” basically all the functions that separate living organisms from dead ones.
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Our lives consist of twenty hours every day and as long as we are free from mental or physical confinement we choose how to fill those 24 hours; whether we are happy or sad, stressed or energetic, productive or lazy or any combination of the above. I chose to fill my 24 hours with happiness, productive time, relaxation and if possible, adventure.
- Family
As it happens, we are born into families and later if we are lucky, we also become part of creating a family. Family may be nuclear or extended but extends also into the wider group, the clan and the village. In today’s living arrangements, the clan is not as important as it used to be, for with private property; families rarely live in the same immediate location. I am thankful for my family which is God’s gift to me, inclusive of my ancestors who have paved our way. Despite the fact that relationships of any sort are not easy to maintain, the gift of people who are connected to you by blood is very special, truly unique and valuable. Trust me, if you don’t think so now you will see it later.
- Garden
My garden is a magical place for me, this is where there is time for thought, quiet reflection and where some of life’s problems may be solved. More importantly, the garden spells hope for life, self sufficiency and food security. I also love being able to take simple cures from the garden. A great man once said that “the land turns to gold in the hands of the wise”. Another sage also purported that if one looked deeply into nature, one would understand everything better. With all these great things said, what is there not to like about a garden?
- Relative freedom/liberty
Compared to some other countries in the world, where I live is a very peaceful and stable environment. Yes, we have our economic challenges but I would not trade this rock for anywhere else… at this point in my life.
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- Health
Last but certainly not least, health is one of the things for which I am thankful. Health is wealth. If there is ill health, gone is all the vigour and vitality to enjoy what life has to offer, whether it is family, the garden or freedom. Health is the glue that holds it all together. Love and health are akin and can be found in everything that I enjoy as they bind life together in a very special package.
Conclusion
“ Thanksgiving “ by Ralph Waldo Emerson pretty much sums up how I feel about all the things I am thankful for:
For each new morning with its light,
for rest and shelter of the night,
for health and food,
for love and friends,
for everything Thy goodness sends.
I have shared with you readers, five things in my life that I am eternally thankful for. Now it is your turn: What things do you value in your life?
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