How can one look at something so beautiful and not be moved. If it is the one thing I will miss after moving from my current apartment will be the beautiful sunsets I get to see almost every day. I just stand at the balcony staring off into the sunset, or lie on the couch facing the window as I just stare in wonder at God's creation.
On a separate note, I have been just sitting back and looking at the world go by. It is stunning how there are some with so much, and some with so little. It amazes me that there is such abundance in developed countries, that the people have become part of a consumer society and not even know. We buy even when we do not need. We buy because we want to and there is never really a end to it all. We tell ourselves we need a new bag, wallet, shoes, clothes, jewellery and so on, even though we very well know that we already have enough. Of course indulging every once in a while is understandable, one cannot wear the same thing every week. Sometimes we feel the need to reward ourselves a little.
I look at the people along the streets, in my life, myself and I wonder, what have I done that warrants such abundance? Here I am living comfortably in a nice apartment, with nice clothes, shoes, bags, furniture and 1000 thread count bedsheets. What have I done? What have I done that is so significant, after all, everything that I have accomplished to this point is mostly because of the support my parents have given me.
I remember I was in a church service one day and these missionaries from Africa posed this question to the congregation, 'Have you ever had to pray for food?'
It was then I realised, I am so blessed, I have so much while others have so little or nothing at all. In the society I live in and in many other countries, things fall so easily into place. Food, housing, clothes, school and so many other things are seen as right, not a privilege. What do I know of hardship? Studying hard for examinations? Sure it is stressful but at least I have had the chance to go to school and even had the opportunity to study overseas. My parents do not allow me to certain things I want? At least I have parents to love me and to guide me through life, after all, they know what is best for me.
Life has been easy and I have not even appreciated it till now. I never lived a life of luxury, yet I have had everything I wanted. I only have my parents to thank for teaching me that a happy life is not an extravagant life. I thank them for teaching me the value what I have and not to want things that I do not need. Although I must admit in recent years I have spent more and become more conscious of what sort of things I have, I know that ultimately even if I were to suddenly have millions of dollars, I would still spend my money wisely and hopefully use it on things that really matter.
I guess after these very few unstructured paragraphs what I have wanted to say is to be grateful. Be grateful for what you have and how blessed we are. To be more conscious of the world around us and see that we should really think before we spend anymore on anything else. I hope that in 10 years time I will still have this mentality and hopefully pass it on to my children. I also hope that I will eventually be in the position to help other people who are less fortunate and hopefully give them some of the opportunities I have had. I don't know how to conclude this really, what do these thoughts mean? I am not sure if they are just random musings or important thoughts that will eventually direct my life, I will tell you know when I know.
Take care for now, remember that no matter what you are going through, be grateful for what you have.
<3
Rach
