I am grateful I have enough money for my needs and that of my family, but not enough to buy whatever I want, whenever I want it, and for whomever I want.
Don't get me wrong. I like money. I like to spend money. However, tonight, as I was talking with a friend, she was saying how if she saw a child crying at the store because he wanted something, she would love to be able to buy that something for him.
This made me think. What message would this child get? Cry and it shall be given unto you? I heard someone else saying how she wanted to find a second job so that she could buy her children everything they wanted. What happened to spending time with the children being better than showering them with material things?
May be, this is what is wrong with today's society. Back then, children made due with what they had. They used their imagination. They received toys (many times handmade or hand-me-down ones) only at Christmas and possibly a birthday.
Nowadays, many children (not all children) get whatever they want when they want it... And when they grow up, they expect the same thing.
Then...life hits them... they cannot get what they want whenever they want it and, therefore, they get angry and they do (and/or say) things that are less than desirable.
Tonight, I am grateful I was never able to buy whatever my children wanted and whenever they wanted it. There have been times I did buy things for them just because, but it was not the norm and they were educational things (like books). Even so, one of them has grown up thinking he can spend money like there is no tomorrow. I am afraid to think at how he would behave if I did get whatever was wanted whenever he asked for it.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Just Because
Today, I have lots of things to be thankful for. They are all things that I have already mentioned in the past and that, most of the time, I take for granted.
For example, being able to wake up in the morning. I never give it a second thought, but there are so many people that will not wake up tomorrow. This morning, I had the blessing to wake up.
Health: this is another one I take for granted until something happens and I need a doctor. I do am grateful though for the gift of health. A sniffle here and there do not constitute sickness, at least not the kind that keeps you in the hospital, or requires surgery or some other invasive treatment.
Friends: I always have someone I can turn to for advice, help, or just laughter. Someone I can be there for as well. Friendship is not just about receiving but also giving. In Italian we have a saying that says, "Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro" - he, who finds a friend, finds a treasure. It is true. When we find a true friend, we do find a priceless treasure.
The list of things I take for granted could go on for ever. I will stop here for today, and, perhaps, these things will give you something to think about.
For example, being able to wake up in the morning. I never give it a second thought, but there are so many people that will not wake up tomorrow. This morning, I had the blessing to wake up.
Health: this is another one I take for granted until something happens and I need a doctor. I do am grateful though for the gift of health. A sniffle here and there do not constitute sickness, at least not the kind that keeps you in the hospital, or requires surgery or some other invasive treatment.
Friends: I always have someone I can turn to for advice, help, or just laughter. Someone I can be there for as well. Friendship is not just about receiving but also giving. In Italian we have a saying that says, "Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro" - he, who finds a friend, finds a treasure. It is true. When we find a true friend, we do find a priceless treasure.
The list of things I take for granted could go on for ever. I will stop here for today, and, perhaps, these things will give you something to think about.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
My Dog Buddy
I am grateful for Buddy.
He is a 15 years old pit bull, blind in one eye. I took him in about two years ago to save his life. It was supposed to be just a temporary situation while waiting to find him a permanent home. It turned out that he would have ended up with a rescue group who would have kept him in a pen.
We could not let that happen. He needed to run and he needed to roll in the dirt!
Yes, he loves his dirt!
His owners called him Dirty and I could not image why he would be given such a name. I soon found out!
He has several places he can sleep on, but his favorite is the dog house that does not have a base...he loves the dirt in there.
You can also find him under a small tree, reveling in the dirt. He acts just like a puppy when he has access to just plain dirt. He shows off a big smile and, although he has almost no teeth left, he melts the heart!
I do love my Buddy. Here is a picture of him. I did not catch him in the dirt, but he is adorable, nonetheless!
He is a 15 years old pit bull, blind in one eye. I took him in about two years ago to save his life. It was supposed to be just a temporary situation while waiting to find him a permanent home. It turned out that he would have ended up with a rescue group who would have kept him in a pen.
We could not let that happen. He needed to run and he needed to roll in the dirt!
Yes, he loves his dirt!
His owners called him Dirty and I could not image why he would be given such a name. I soon found out!
He has several places he can sleep on, but his favorite is the dog house that does not have a base...he loves the dirt in there.
You can also find him under a small tree, reveling in the dirt. He acts just like a puppy when he has access to just plain dirt. He shows off a big smile and, although he has almost no teeth left, he melts the heart!
I do love my Buddy. Here is a picture of him. I did not catch him in the dirt, but he is adorable, nonetheless!
Monday, July 14, 2014
New Friends
Sometimes, things happen that don't quite go your way. Sometimes, you have one of those days that brings worries and a blah feeling. Nonetheless, it is important to find something to appreciate.
A list of things comes to mind:
1. being alive
2. having a job
3. having food and clothing
4. having a family
These are the first things that my tired brain processes. I don't want to take away from the importance of the previous items; however, today, on a blah day, I would like to show gratitude for new friends.
I had the chance to work at a different campus and, while there, I met two new colleagues. The two ladies were very nice and it was a pleasure meeting them.
We exchanged thoughts and laughter and this interaction made my day a bit better. It was manna from the sky and for this, I am very grateful.
I want to challenge you to find something to give thanks for even on a day that seems dark and dreary. Will you accept this challenge?
A list of things comes to mind:
1. being alive
2. having a job
3. having food and clothing
4. having a family
These are the first things that my tired brain processes. I don't want to take away from the importance of the previous items; however, today, on a blah day, I would like to show gratitude for new friends.
I had the chance to work at a different campus and, while there, I met two new colleagues. The two ladies were very nice and it was a pleasure meeting them.
We exchanged thoughts and laughter and this interaction made my day a bit better. It was manna from the sky and for this, I am very grateful.
I want to challenge you to find something to give thanks for even on a day that seems dark and dreary. Will you accept this challenge?
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Lesson Manuals
I teach Sunday School class to children who are 4 and 5.
Today, I am grateful for lesson manuals as they outline what to teach and give you ideas for activities.
I can prepare activities, lessons, handouts, posters, ... that are suggested in the manual. I would have a hard time coming up with my own ideas though, especially because I have not worked with this age group in a very, very long time.
In these past few years, I have worked (both at school and church) with children that are at least 10 years old and up to 19.... I can handle these ages. I believe it is easier to teach them because they can read.
The 4 and 5 years old, however, cannot read. This makes things a bit more difficult for me. And I am not an artist. I can draw stick figures; I can trace pictures; I love to color the drawings; but I cannot free draw!
So, manuals are a life saver in my situation and I am extremely grateful for them!
Today, I am grateful for lesson manuals as they outline what to teach and give you ideas for activities.
I can prepare activities, lessons, handouts, posters, ... that are suggested in the manual. I would have a hard time coming up with my own ideas though, especially because I have not worked with this age group in a very, very long time.
In these past few years, I have worked (both at school and church) with children that are at least 10 years old and up to 19.... I can handle these ages. I believe it is easier to teach them because they can read.
The 4 and 5 years old, however, cannot read. This makes things a bit more difficult for me. And I am not an artist. I can draw stick figures; I can trace pictures; I love to color the drawings; but I cannot free draw!
So, manuals are a life saver in my situation and I am extremely grateful for them!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Pergola
Well, it is not completed yet. As a matter of fact, only the holes for the posts have been dug; however, I am still grateful for the pergola that is being built in my backyard because it will be an awesome place for my grape vines to climb to and because it will add a piece of Italy to my home.
I am grateful to those involved who volunteer their time and talents to help with the project. It is harder than it looks, especially digging holes exactly where they need to be in order for the poles to be the right distance from each other and at the right height.
I am grateful for the big storm yesterday late afternoon that made the ground softer allowing the remaining two holes to be dug in half the time it took the morning before.
When it will be finished, I will post pictures. Stay tuned!
I am grateful to those involved who volunteer their time and talents to help with the project. It is harder than it looks, especially digging holes exactly where they need to be in order for the poles to be the right distance from each other and at the right height.
I am grateful for the big storm yesterday late afternoon that made the ground softer allowing the remaining two holes to be dug in half the time it took the morning before.
When it will be finished, I will post pictures. Stay tuned!
Friday, July 11, 2014
Pooper Scooper
Ok, it may sound very silly, but I am very grateful for pooper scoopers....
I have two dogs and my back yard has always been a mine field of stinky bombs...it has been their bathroom since day one.
I have tried to keep up the cleaning with a shovel, but I got really tired of it and, soon enough, I just let it go.... Needless to say, mowing the back yard has always been an adventure... Anyone seeing me must have thought that I had some sort of weird step routine I did while pushing my lawnmower.
Not anymore! I bought a pooper scooper at the store yesterday and it is the best $14 I have ever spent. It is so easy to pick up and dispose of their droppings.
From now on, the yard will be poop free (well, except for the corner where it is being deposited).
Now, I need to find a way to eliminate the smell... any ideas anyone?
I have two dogs and my back yard has always been a mine field of stinky bombs...it has been their bathroom since day one.
I have tried to keep up the cleaning with a shovel, but I got really tired of it and, soon enough, I just let it go.... Needless to say, mowing the back yard has always been an adventure... Anyone seeing me must have thought that I had some sort of weird step routine I did while pushing my lawnmower.
Not anymore! I bought a pooper scooper at the store yesterday and it is the best $14 I have ever spent. It is so easy to pick up and dispose of their droppings.
From now on, the yard will be poop free (well, except for the corner where it is being deposited).
Now, I need to find a way to eliminate the smell... any ideas anyone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)