"People are praying for the things we take for granted."

All our lives, we've been told to be thankful for what we have. This past week, I've been met with several situations that have really put that phrase into perspective.

I've been volunteering at a local middle school for the past couple of weeks as a mentor for pre-teen girls. Seeing their bright, optimistic faces each week has always lifted my spirits, and I always look forward to hearing their stories and seeing what new ideas and thoughts they have to share with the rest of the group. Just last week however, I was astounded at hearing about some of the life situations that these girls are going through. I was shocked that they were all so happy and so content even though they were carrying heavy burdens on their shoulders. I was suddenly met with the sad realization that just a few hours earlier that day I was upset that my internet was running too slow. I had gotten so frustrated over something petty and insignificant while some of these girls right in my same neighborhood were dealing with situations much larger than themselves. Not only that, but these girls came into our hangout sessions with a bright smile on their face and they were bursting at the seams to tell stories about their classes, or what their friends had said at lunch, or some other anecdote about their day. This made me really stop to think about whether or not the things I had been complaining about earlier this week were really worth it. It hit me that most of the stuff I was angry about, or that I had gotten upset about were petty, insignificant things. I realized that I was being unappreciative, and that I was taking for granted all the things I have right in front of me.

We've all heard stories or even seen people who are in worse situations than us, and I think maybe it's time that we start to realize just how fortunate we are to have the luxuries that we often take for granted. For instance, I know I'm going to be making a much more conscious effort to not get angry over stupid stuff. Like when the vending machine takes my dollar, or even when all the dryers are taken in the laundry room. I think it's about time I start telling myself that there are millions of people out there who have it way worse than I do. Not only that, but a lot of those people still manage to have a smile on their face. I know I need improvement when it comes to gratitude. Do you?