So many lives were impacted when Hurricane Sandy hit the northeast a few weeks ago. Besides the considerable damage to homes and infrastructure, many found themselves without electricity, heat, and other basic necessities of life. While I was fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, as a New Jersey resident I also lost power for several days.
But it is amazing what such a disaster can do to help change our perspective and realize how blessed we really are. I, along with so many others, was very upset to have been without electricity and other necessities of life. But then I began to think about the countless numbers of people around the globe who lack access to electricity every day. For them, a day without electricity is normal.
And in addition to electricity, there are so many things that we have been blessed with. Clean water—right from our faucets! Can you imagine what a miracle this would be to someone who is used to walking miles each day to draw water from a well? And this water is often dirty and even dangerous.
It really got me thinking about how fortunate we really are. Please take a few moments right now to focus on the blessings life has given you. Start with the basics like food, water, warmth, shelter, and electricity. Then think about security, access to transportation, and the right to live in freedom. Think about your relationships with family and friends, or with other loved ones, and your health.
We have so much to be thankful for, and yet most of the time we think about what we don’t have or what we think we NEED. If the power ever goes out again, let’s remember the power that is always within us – and be grateful for the amazing blessings that we already have in our lives.”