I'm Rich!

[PrincessPerky]

I just read 'the yearling', Ok so I am a bit old to be reading it, but I never really wanted to as a kid.

So what does this have to do with being rich? The kid had to decide between his deer and eating! The ma washed clothes in a sink hole! (and I complain about dumping a load in!) The dad got a hernia (or best guess thats what it was) and no insurance was going to pay to cover his 'time off work' (off work, yeah like he gets time off?) No insurance would pay for the doc (assuming the doc knew anything to do) They traded a couple of live bear cubs (yeah I know not nice, but they were orphaned) for what I could get for 300$, and that was the one and only spending spree of the year. (prolly of several years, but the book only covers one) I spend 300 every couple of months on luxuries! Their list wasn't luxuries! It was things like wool to make a coat or two!

I was sitting on my couch reading and I looked up at a WALL, a full wall in my house, loaded with luxuries, (the living room entertainment center with computers) And I complain! Then I looked to my left, at a my kitchen full of luxuries, fridge, Microwave, stove, toaster, RUNNING WATER! (no one hauls wood or water for me to cook!) Not to mention the TWO indoor baths, plumbing and all (oh and nice soft towels, even if they are a bit frayed at the edges).

Shall I meander on into my bedroom? As painful as a night is on my bed is, I have a feeling it beats corn husks or whatever they stuffed mattresses with back then! How about the TWO dressers full of clothes (though most don't fit right now -7mo pregnant.) OR the walk in closet! Or the bookcase FULL of books (plus more in the attic) And the ceder chest FULL of spare bedding (some for winter some for company)

Speaking of books, I CAN afford to find more books or a tacher if I need to to help my kids learn, no need to rely solely on my own education. (especially not with spelling!)

Sheesh, I am rich in so many material ways! I suppose I am tecnically broke in todays world, but compared to this kids family, I am rich. Really makes me stop complaining about being broke for a change. I suppose I knew all this, but really, I have a habit of taking things for granted. After all who doesn't have a fridge or stove in America?

[Bluezy]

Hun, you have had a catharsis! ((((Hugs)))))

Many people throughout the world experience what you have read about. However, the United States has always been a blessed nation...and even if one person in the States
has needs or requires help there are wonderful people there who freely give. It's not like that in other countries, especially in the third world.

[crosses]

So much of our life and happiness depends on whether we secide to look at things as half full or half empty. It can always be worse and always be better. It's your choice how you decide to view things.

[pennywise]

Princess Perky: Thank you for sharing. This was wonderful insight! It keeps us motivated to our causes. If they could do it, we can too. They survived, didn't they. Life span not as long, but went with the times. Keep up the good work.

[catlover15]

Originally Posted by pennywise

Princess Perky: Thank you for sharing. This was wonderful insight! It keeps us motivated to our causes. If they could do it, we can too. They survived, didn't they. Life span not as long, but went with the times. Keep up the good work.

Thanks. Pennywise is right. We take for granted so many things we should be thankful for.

[Max'sMommy]

Thanks for sharing, it is always nice to be reminded of the things that make ALL of our lives rich and full- not just at Thanksgiving when we list our "blessings". - Heidi

[Miz Pat]

I really needed to hear this today. We are rich. We have music at a mere touch, homes that are safe and comfortable, food enough to eat, clothing to cover us, shoes to wear, access to the internet where there is beauty, mystery and freindship.

We are rich.

Pat

[pennywise]

Miz Pat, the Lord will always fulfill your needs, even if it is through an internet chat site. You have been moved and fulfilled. God Bless You. Besides, I needed to hear what you had to say. We need a story like this every now and then.

My spouse said something to his dtr one day (oh, dtr from 1st marriage): instead of looking at what you don't have why don't you look at what you do have? Many patients told me when my spouse was unemployed: you are blessed; you have a husband and dtr who love you (my best patients and the population that will always be dear to me: the African American - they are very wise, accept you for who you are, do not judge. Thank you God for the experience I had in Detroit with the African American population. Sorry, went off a little, but God does want us to publicly thank him - did you know he will reward you more. Like when I find one can I thank the Lord and really mean it, he gives me another one! Now for the last motivational comment: "There is no sense in complaining, is there? What could the slaves do, nothing, stand in the heat and work! There is not sense in complaining" (Oh, for the record, I am white, married to a Mexican descendant of a migrant family - mother was a migrant farm worker)

[jmjj215]

Great post Princess - thanks.

[PrincessPerky]

Glad it helped

[akaivyleaf]

Makes us all more conscious of how we look at things. Thanks for sharing.

[marglo]

You're right. For all the talk about the economy problems, our nation is blessed. Even our poor have more than they would in most other countries. I always try to keep an attitude of thankfulness.

[PRICEPLUS]

How often we forget how blessed we are materially! That was a great post.