Taken for Granted

“Some have food but cannot eat.

Some can eat but have no food.

We can eat and we have food.

Thank you Lord for everything.”

Its funny how we take so many things for granted and not even realise it. When I first heard this prayer it brought tears to my eyes. To this day it tugs at my heartstrings. The little person reciting it was just proud to be showing off  what her “amazing “ teacher had taught her but as I sat down to eat that night I ate the much despised sadza, covo and beef stew with a bit more enthusiasm than normal.

I got to thinking about how I’m always complaining about this n that. How I feel I don’t need to thank God or anyone else for that matter because I feel entitled to whatever it is I would have received. All of us have been there in fact most are permanent residents. But just think while we are busy complaining about how we do not like what or where we are eating there is someone out there who cannot perform the simple task of chewing and swallowing their food (some can’t even drink soup). Then there are those who are going hungry because of poverty they cannot afford even the very basic things. Immediately I think of the millions in Somalia and Ethiopia starving in their war ridden countries. I remember my grandmother telling me I would end up like them if I didn’t finish my food. Those of us who have food and are able to eat it should be thankful for it.

Then my mind wandered to other things. For example as a teenager I always complained about how my mother never got me. Then it dawns on me now that she’s gone ”at least I had a mother” . I never was able to wear trendy in-fashion clothes but I had clothes and more often than not I got them brand new. I always fought with my siblings and up till now we don’t always see eye to eye but m thankful for their love and support.

I could go on and on but the point is I realise now that my life has been better than average and as I start 2013 I am going to be more thankful. Take everything in its stride and be grateful for each breath and each word I get to say. In fact I’ll start right now- For my daughter, my husband, for love for family and for everything else thank You God!