Blessings

Today is all about blessings... how many can we think of in one day? If we pay attention to the things around us, will we notice the wonder of every breath our body takes on its own? We could go on and on about the wonders of the human body... how we blink without thinking, our hearts pump second after second, minute after minute, day after day, all the seemingly little abilities that we take for granted. Ever thought of what it would be like to not be able to hear? Taste? Touch? Those of us who are so blessed to have healthy bodies that allow us to move, walk, touch, listen, see, and get around should recognize what a gift that is. Do we appreciate being able to hear our children's voices (even when that's not the most pleasant sound??) Do we appreciate being able to use our hands to clean up the hairball the cat just left on the carpet??!!
Once we look outside of our own bodies, how many of us take for granted the simple freedoms of living in the US? When we step outside our houses, are we afraid that the next car that passes may explode and end our life? Do we have to worry about being attacked while we walk miles to bring water to our family? Do we worry when we mouth off about our president or our government, that a car may pull up outside and take us away... without ever notifying our family? Do we take for granted the fact that our children are able to head off to school everyday and get an education? We may not always agree with what's being taught or how well financed our schools are, but how many children in this world would give anything to be able to learn all that our children do?
What right do we have to complain about eating leftovers, when so many of God's children are starving and would bow their heads in true thanks for what we spurn? Do we notice how comfortable we are? Isn't it great to come inside after being out in 90 degree heat and be cooled down by air conditioning? And even if you're one of the tough ones who doesn't need it, don't you enjoy reaching into a refrigerator and having a cold drink?
I don't want to make this sound like I'm getting up on my soapbox... I just remembered this morning, as I was watching the sunrise and watering my yard, that I have no need to complain about lack of rain or the heat, or just about anything else! I thought it might be cool to remind myself of some of the blessings that come my way every day. So here's my list:
knowledge of the gospel, scriptures, good friends, a loving husband and great daughter, counsel from a living prophet, enough money to pay my bills, my home, hearing, sight, health, my body, the ability to read, availability of good books, plenty of food to eat, clothing, a car to drive (and money for the gas it takes!), clean water to drink, showers, a comfortable bed, sunrises (and sunsets), the smell of the leaves on the ground, shade trees, flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, squirrels, cats, (all of God's creatures, except those that sting!!), shoes, paper and pencils, a computer, being able to get out of bed each morning....
This could definitely go on and on, but I want it to fit on my blog so I'll stop here. Just some food for thought as we all face this day. Don't let all the outside influences tell you that you "need" this or that... at least 90% of those reading this have all they NEED, we just need to be reminded of it!