Shock Value: Entry 82 "Taking Things For Granted"

Hey Hey Hey:

Good Morning to all of you. I know some of you went out last night and did the most, while others just went to see the local firework display. Either way, I hope you enjoyed your holiday. I write to you today about: Taking Things For Granted.

You know, on yesterday I had an epiphany. I was lying in the bed and I begin to think about how many things I have versus the things I don't have and how BLESSED I truly am. Now, don't get me wrong, I may not be where I want to be in this life, but thank GOD and the heavenly stars I am not where I use to be. Go with me on this for a moment. Many people around the world are suffering on a daily basis. Things that we can do and take for granted like: reading our bibles, speaking out against government, dating who we want freely, or even driving our vehicles, may cost other people their lives. Yet, we do these things and more and forget to think about how BLESSED we are.

People in other countries risk their lives for some of these inalienable rights we have given by the forefathers in the bill of rights. I am not one to believe that America is the greatest place on earth, but neither are some of our neighborhoods or boroughs. But, even those in our country who live in poverty are doing a heck of a lot better than those in some other destitute area. For example, in some of the favelas (houses) in Brazil, they don't have roofs on their homes, sewer systems, or running water. So when it rains, their homes flood and when they have to use the restroom, buckets are their porcelain gods. Yet, how many of us here, turn on the shower and just let the water run until we feel like getting in. Or avoid going to the bathroom that is in eyesight just because we don't feel like getting up. Notice I said us, because I do it too. We jump in our cars, turn on our T.V.s, come home to our spouses, eat what we want---but we still complain.

I ask this question to all of you. Is anything good enough for you? Does anything satisfy you or make you happy? The things you have, people have died for and you are reaping the benefits. I know some of you will rebuttal and say, "I worked for everything I got and I appreciate it." And that may very well be true, but someone was beaten, starved, hung, and died just so you could work. I ain't trying to be all "gloom and doom," but I just think we all need to show a little more appreciation, give a little more thanks for what we have, and spend as much time with our loved ones as humanly possible. Remember, "One day your here and the next day your gone."

~Telling it like it i.t. is.....