I've been thinkin'

[azsnowman]

OH-OH! LOOK OUT......when ever I think, birds head south, bears run for cover "LOL!"

Seriously......with all the problems in the world, the trials and turmoil some of our own family here at Storm2K have been having, health, the loss of loved ones, finacial etc, etc........we are still VERY blessed as Americans No matter HOW bad things get, we are SO far better off than 75% of the world! Poverty is nothing new to ppls of the Mid East, Mexico, South America...the list goes on and on!

When stationed aboard the USS America back in the mid 70's, I had the opportunity to visit Egypt and other countries in the Middle East, my God.....if those folks had 1/4 of what we Americans take for granted!!! We (myself included) gripe, whine, snivel and complain when our gas prices top 1.50$ a gallon.....I'm just as guilty, if not MORE, than a lot of people. We complain when our power goes out, we gripe when we have a bad day at work, we complain about not getting a raise......let's see, the average wage in Rocky Point Mexico....and mind you, this is the HIGH END, runs about 7$ per DAY.....AND the worst part, prices since WE Americans have taken over and made Rocky Point a *vacation destination* are just as high as they are here in the Good Ol USA!

No.....I'm NOT running our country down, I'm not pointing fingers at any one particular person, like I said.....I am just as guilty as the next person, sometimes WORSE.....I hate to admit that, that's a HARD pill to swallow but less face it......we have it so easy and yes, we are truly blessed to be the chosen one's, so to speak!


Dennis

[breeze]

It's true, Dennis. We have so many "doors of
opportunity" that other countries might not have.
We do live in a country that has been blessed.
I am always griping about things, but, it's because
I have always had access to them, and, oh, my -
the price went up 1$! We have the ability to
see one shut door, and, access another. Others
are not so fortunate.

[Stephanie]

OH-OH! LOOK OUT......when ever I think, birds head south, bears run for cover "LOL!"

I thought I smelled smoke....

In all seriousness, we need to be reminded of this - as you said Dennis, we're all guilty of whining and moping and complaining about things that we do take for granted daily. We are all truly blessed.

[azskyman]

Those of us who have a good life...with opportunities great or small...must always remember that we are blessed. This country is still the greatest in the world.

[vbhoutex]

AMEN!!!!

Even in my "situation" we are truly BLESSED!!!! Sometimes it takes being pulled down a rung or two to be sure you understand how blessed you are(not that I consider what has happened with my employment being pulled down a rung or two). My family has made it very clear that I needed a rest and to be clear of the situation I was in at that office. I KNOW GOD HAS A PLAN AND THAT I WILL BE PLACED WHERE HE NEEDS ME MOST.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT DENNIS!!!

[JCT777]

Very true, Dennis. I for one am guilty of comparing myself to those who seem "better off" than me. Instead, I should be thankful for everything I have - most importantly my health, a roof over my head and of course someone to share my life with.

[Miss Mary]

There you go again Dennis.....doing some thinkin'!!!!!

Seriously though, you are so right. And we take many things over here for granted. I know my nephew stationed in Iraq right now has told his wife this many times on the phone. He said he'll never take water for one example for granted again. When they arrived back in March, there was little if any indoor plumbing. He described to her what they saw running in the streets daily. I would say in the curbs, but I don't even think they have pavement over there for some streets. Kara, his wife, started crying b/c he had to endure these conditions. He on the other hand said oh no, think of these poor people living like this, for decades, while Saddam and his family/men lived it up in luxury.

Thanks again Dennis, for reminding us to be appreciative of what we have over here. I do think we take it for granted.

[azsnowman]

This subject was layed upon my heart by God for sometime now......it's amazing how God works isn't it???

John.....I too, sometimes think, well geez, if I had the money they have, I could be driving a brand new Hummer too. We all know money does not make happiness but it dang sure helps!

Mary, like I said.....I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to taking things for granted. Those images I saw in Egypt were forever BURNED into my brain.....the lack of running water, no sewage system to speak of, the lack of air conditioning.......I was there in August and my God......I melt when the temp hits 90° here in Pinetop, the day we toured Cairo and pyramids, the temp was WELL over 118°......the tour bus had air but THAT was it! We stopped at a little sidewalk cafe, flys all over the place, no ice for the drinks, little children begging for a piece of bread.......needless to say, I didn't finish my lunch, in fact, I didn't eat much of ANYTHING for days after that, I felt guilty.

Dennis

[coriolis]

thanks for the reminder Dennis. See my story in the cell phone thread.