Monday, January 1, 2018

looking at the...

... calendar, sending greetings from 2018. Well, here we are. I heard the firework snap, crackle popping around midnight after going to bed too early. Laid awake for a time listening to distant celebrations, before going back to sleep. Drifting off with the thought that the flashes and bangs, explosions were merely people who had more money than sense, willing to fork it over to buy stuff they would set on fire. Not the smartest way to spend hard earned cash, but ....

Thankful that hearing those distant bangs and whooshes did not cause anxiety or fear. No need to worry about mortars, incoming missiles, dangerous situations that would affect safety. I know there are many places on our planet that being awakened by the sound of explosions means you grab your children and dash off to someplace hidden, hoping to keep the family alive. Living in constant fear, always wondering how long you will have to be on guard, trying to keep your loved ones safe.

Thankful for living in America. Where you can go where you want, when you want, without asking permission or having to provide documentation that approves of your travel plans. All those taken- for-granted things guaranteed by the Constitution: assured by our founding fathers who were remarkably far-sighted in their wisdom.

Thankful for potable water, electricity, the astounding conveniences of modern appliances that make the daily chores of life routine and easy to manage. Think about what you would be doing without a refrigerator in your house, or stove/oven. What your life would be like if you did not have a machine that washes your clothing?  Consider how you would spent your days if you had to cut down trees and chop for firewood to heat your home, as well as heat water for daily needs like washing and cooking? Yes. Very thankful for those things we rarely consider until it is time to call the repair guy.

And especially thankful for family and friends.

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