.remonstrance.

I thought about some things going on in my life, a lot of the bad lately seems to outweigh the good at times.
So I decided to put it in another perspective:

I wanted to complain about how cold it was outside, but then remembered how I have a warm house to be in, with clothing, shoes, blankets, a bed... while some walk in the dark cold at night, hoping for shelter from the elements.

I could also complain that my house is too small, that we just don't have enough room.  While some don't even have a place to rest their head.

I could complain about not being pretty enough, that I wish  my hair was longer, my waist was thinner; while some spend their lives battling illnesses and disabilities.

I could complain about how age is taking a toll, the wrinkles, the changes; while many don't have the fortune to live as long as I have.

I should complain that I don't make enough money.  I work so hard!  But there are people that struggle to find any work at all, and wondering if they will eat tomorrow.

I sometimes wish for having the latest advancements in technology, all the cool gadgets that everyone else seems to have.. Maybe even a fancy car.  While some children don't even have a toy to play with, and grow up too fast not having the enjoyment a child should experience in their youth.

I wonder why I have sicknesses when I've done my best in taking care of myself.  I rarely drink alcohol, I never do drugs or smoke, I try to stay fit and eat right;  I struggle with this issue the most, because I've tried so hard to remain healthy!  Yet there are people who will never see the age I am now, and those that have, suffered and lost much more greatly than I can ever fathom.

I wonder why with all my talents, I haven't been recognized in a larger way.  In the past and or now, no matter all my efforts.. and will it ever come?  While I still may feel somewhat to this degree, I realize that my gifts are not merely for myself, but for others as well.  For there is no point in having said gifts, if you can't share them, help others, and give them away.  Isn't that already success?

We all have endured adversities in our life. There is no one exempt of this.  It doesn't matter who we are, where we're from.  It's how you define success, how you define your own happiness... that separates you from your "problems" in life.  Your adversities, no matter how great or small, do not define you as a person.  How you react to those issues, how you cope with them, that is what defines you.  The good you do for the World, for all Life...... that also defines you.

So make good, do good and be good.  Count your blessings.  There is always someone who has less.

Peace,
Hyde