Gratitude

It's said that a grateful heart is a happy heart. 

When I was in school I was taught a hymn which still remains etched in my memory, and it said:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

It's only now that I truly understand what it meant!! Try saying Thank you and really mean it from the deepest recesses of your heart! Even though the person at the receiving end may not have done a lot for you, but at least he or she did something that pleased you and made things so much easier for you. That is the least you can do to repay some one's kindness. It's very simple to take things and people for granted- your family, your friends, and several other people who without saying much make life so comfortable for you. It takes a bit to appreciate and acknowledge their existence in your life without which your life would be so incomplete. It's indeed the little things that count. 

We get so used to the things that bring so much joy to our lives because we are so preoccupied with our woes. Are our woes really that big? When compared to someone who is fighting a terminal disease and still putting up a brave face? When compared to someone who has lost someone extremely dear? When compared to someone who has lost everything? When compared to someone who cannot manage three square meals for himself and his family? Everyone feels that his or her own sorrows are more than he or she can handle. Rightfully so. But one can't afford to loose perspective. We've got to give things as much importance as they rightfully deserve. The only person who can bring about a change and better your lot is you yourself. No matter how many friends you have, and no matter how much your family cares for you, when it comes to dealing with your day to day problems, you are alone. Life gives you choices at every step. Like a very dear blogger friend and an exceptionally strong human being- Bernie rightly pointed out, you can wake up in the morning and say "Good Morning God" or say "Good God Morning"! Life is the way you look at. 

There might be a lot that is not right with the world but with all of that are people who truly believe in living and letting live. Who do things selflessly. Not everything pays, but despite that you still have people who don't even know you, who go out of their way to help you. Geographical boundaries, languages and cultures notwithstanding. When everyone feels the same, there really are no differences are there!

I dedicate this to Wanda and Bernie for their unique perspective on everything and for reading what I write so very patiently and leaving insightful comments. I don't know how you got to my blog, but I am mighty glad you did. So glad to know you!

A special word of thanks to Still Thinking as well for never missing any post and always being there! (It's beginning to sound like an Oscar speech, so I will stop :D )