Each
time I go out of my home and see people around, I realize how
privileged I have been. Sometimes when we drive back home late at night
after a movie or an outing, I see people sleeping on the pavements,
peddlers returning home on their bicycles or carts after selling
ice-cream, balloons and knick-knacks the whole day. Noticing such small
things makes me thank the Almighty one more time.
Happiness
and peace of mind had always been an intriguing quest for mankind. We
are usually unhappy when we are not satisfied with what we have and
always strive to live someone else's life. And consequently complaining
about every other thing in life has always been a natural trait of
mankind.
Ma
always taught us to compare our lives with people who are less
privileged than us. She says that way we will always be happy and
thankful for what we already have. And how right she is! We never forget
to ask the Almighty for something in our prayers. But how many of us
actually remember to thank Him for what we have?
I
am thankful and grateful to the Almighty for many things starting with
the gift of life itself. I am so immensely grateful to the Lord for:
- My parents
- My grandparents
- My loving family
- Health
- A rational mind
- Decent food everyday
- A comfortable home giving protection from every season
- Water and electricity
- A happy childhood
- Social security
- Opportunity for education
- Ability to earn a livelihood
- Freedom of speech, thought and movement
- Reason to smile everyday
Of
course the above list is not at all exhaustive. I am thankful to Him
for everything He has given me and for making me who I am. Even though I
am trying to practice the art of happiness, I am still an early student
in this important field and have a long way to go.