Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BLESSED (03/07/19)
-
TITLE: This and This Alone | Previous Challenge Entry
By Graham Insley
03/14/19 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
My mind wandered, as it often did, to those who were far less fortunate than me. Perhaps, the broken men who fill our prisons. Sure, they might be there from choices they made in life, poor choices with harsh consequences. But then, some of them would argue they really had no choice at all, they were simply the victims of circumstance. Either way, little sun brakes into their environment. Even what does is not enjoyed between the white, soft sheets of a comfortable bed. No Sunday morning service would brighten their day. No doubts about it, I’m a blessed man.
A lazy stretch and a big yawn before climbing from my bed and selecting summer shirt and slacks. Looking forward to my long hot shower and wondering what I would enjoy for breakfast, I once again felt the conflict of the luxury I enjoy, and the poverty suffered by others. There are so many with nothing, struggling to even keep a shirt on their back while I choose from a full closet of clothes. For some, the morning would be an extended fast, fed by only by their hunger pains and bloated, malnourished bellies. While I argued with myself over muesli verses cornflakes and if strawberry jam would be nice on croissants or toast. I repeat, I am blessed beyond compare.
Yawning yet again, I stretch my arms high into the air and walk on two firm legs towards the bathroom. Shaving, two healthy eyes look back at me from the mirror. I’m 35 years young, full of vim and vigor. No illness in sight, happily married, two great kids and a family pet collie. All shared my same health and fortune.
This afternoon we would walk around the corner to a local park. We often went there to run the dog. John and Sally played on the swings with mum’s ever watchful eye ensuring their safety while I threw sticks for Rex, who took great delight in returning them for another throw. Life was great.
But across town was a hospital where life was lived on a totally different plane. In fact, it was a place where many lives were broken if not cut off altogether. Grief, sadness and misery was the main ingredient in this place. Loved ones lay close to death or fought life’s battle with weakened bodies and feeble minds. Disease, trauma, alcohol and drugs were what danced in these people’s life – throwing a party where all were invited but no one really wished to go. But for some, like it or not, the music was loud, the party in full roar and the only way out was death. And the hospital was always full. While we continued playing on swings and throwing sticks for the dog. I wasn’t the only one blessed on days like this. My whole family enjoyed the blessings with me.
Yes, I’m a blessed man whose life is filled with the goodness of God. I serve my Lord gladly and have no reason not to. But I often wonder if I would serve my Lord as eagerly should the tables be turned. Could I sing praises from need instead of plenty? Could I count myself blessed when I searched for food on a rubbish tip like so many African children? If my clothes were rags, and I didn’t even own a wardrobe let alone a full one, would I still find my joy in Him?
I share my blessings with all that I can, giving generously knowing that I am blessed so that I can bless others. Like today, I count my blessings often. But there is one blessing I should never forget. Jesus died for my sins and opened the way back to God. This, and this alone, is the greatest of blessings.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
It sounds like your eyes are shaving because that's the first noun after the gerund. It's an easy fix though: While shaving, I noticed two healthy...
You definitely nailed the topic, yet made it personal. I think everyone who reads this will stop and think about how blessed he or she is as well.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings~