Daily Musings – 8.28.09 – Simple Things

Simple Things

We take so many things for granted. Even when we try to be mindful and appreciative, sometimes we slip into a coddled, comfortable sense of what we think life is supposed to be. We forget that things like microwaves, hot water, cars, diverse food, and personal space are wonderful little miracles in their own right.

I’ve been through quite a few points in my life where I’ve had nothing at all. Spent a year with no electricity–ice cold showers, no cooked food, no clean clothing. Have had to get food from food pantries and shelters. Have valued the penny as if it were a quarter.

Many people out there have been through this. I was biggest hit as a teenager, right after my parents separated. My mom had never worked a day in her life (house wife) and lost touch with reality. What little was in the bank vanished. We hit rock bottom–and even still, in the “agony” of not having refrigerated food or comfortable showers, we were never as bad off as people who have been oppressed, wrongfully imprisoned, or are eating clay cakes made with shortening and salt, as some of the poorest folks do in Haiti.

Suffering is relative. It’s not a challenge or contest to see who suffers more, or who hurts more. That’s just silly.

What we just need to remember is that we have to appreciate every little thing–the simple things. Being able to flush a toilet (hee hee) or eat a home-cooked meal. Having clean clothing. Being lucky enough to have the ability to even own things like cell phones, books, gadgets, cars.

The next time you take a warm, cozy shower–be happy that you have access to it at all. Take the time to enjoy every drop, to think about it, to find a sense of excitement in it. That frothy cup of coffee–enjoy every drop. You’re lucky and special to get a cup.

Conditions in a lifetime can change so much, so rapidly. Never take anything for granted.

“When you appreciate what you have, you are richer than the richest man.”

meandering plum branch, originally uploaded by plasticpumpkin.