Thursday, January 26
Of course, with the household bills paid for, a roof over my head, meals taken care of, a bed to sleep on, a computer to use, I can laugh at the foolishness of those others who chase after money and branded goods.
What is more important is whether I would still feel the same had I none of the comforts I enjoy daily. Had I been born into a poor family, worrying about where I would sleep for the night, or when my next meal would be, would I become a slave of capitalism?
It is highly likely that my dearth of interest towards materialism and reputation stems from my sheltered environment. Or at least, it has played a part in making me as such. Surely, there are other factors in play, since my siblings are so unlike myself in this matter. I freely admit that I am representing an extreme opinion. The years spent in Catholic schools must have exposed me to many people who upheld their belief of Faith, Love and Charity in their everyday lives.
One shining example would be my secondary school teacher. If Christians are people who try to be like Christ, he is undoubtedly a Christian. I cannot say the same for many others.
They taught me that the most important thing in life was God. Everything else was secondary. However, this has now become a moot point, since I no longer profess to be Catholic. Nevertheless, I still carry some of those sterling values they instilled with me. The one I speak of today is gratitude.
I was taught how to appreciate everything, no matter how small. They always say, the sum of all the little things can become bigger than the single great thing. Whatever comes my way, good or bad, I am thankful for. I especially love the hymn,
Thank You, Lord. This is the first verse.
Thank you Lord, for the trials that come my way,In that way I can grow each day, as I let you lead.And I thank you Lord, for the patience those trials bring,In that process of growing, I can learn to care.I can remember most of the lyrics by heart, save for some errors or omissions here and there. You would not believe it, but I led this hymn for the prayer session during graduation. So much has changed since I left secondary school.
Of course, I do forget myself sometimes and lose my temper, especially with my mother. I do not know why logic does not apply to our arguments. It just gets me all angry and silly. Stay calm, stay calm. We can work things out (albeit unreasonably so, which means I lose, anyway).
Anyway, showing gratitude for everything makes me content with what I have. It helps with justifying to myself why I can live without attempting to strike it rich, or why I can live without ostentatiously attracting the attention of people around me. I tell myself to be satisfied. That I am glad just the way life is. Adding the extra spice will not necessarily make me extraordinarily joyous.
I am ordinary me, being ordinarily happy. If I were strapped for cash, I would still try to be happy for the little things. And of course, always happy for the gift of life.
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Thursday, January 26
Of course, with the household bills paid for, a roof over my head, meals taken care of, a bed to sleep on, a computer to use, I can laugh at the foolishness of those others who chase after money and branded goods.
What is more important is whether I would still feel the same had I none of the comforts I enjoy daily. Had I been born into a poor family, worrying about where I would sleep for the night, or when my next meal would be, would I become a slave of capitalism?
It is highly likely that my dearth of interest towards materialism and reputation stems from my sheltered environment. Or at least, it has played a part in making me as such. Surely, there are other factors in play, since my siblings are so unlike myself in this matter. I freely admit that I am representing an extreme opinion. The years spent in Catholic schools must have exposed me to many people who upheld their belief of Faith, Love and Charity in their everyday lives.
One shining example would be my secondary school teacher. If Christians are people who try to be like Christ, he is undoubtedly a Christian. I cannot say the same for many others.
They taught me that the most important thing in life was God. Everything else was secondary. However, this has now become a moot point, since I no longer profess to be Catholic. Nevertheless, I still carry some of those sterling values they instilled with me. The one I speak of today is gratitude.
I was taught how to appreciate everything, no matter how small. They always say, the sum of all the little things can become bigger than the single great thing. Whatever comes my way, good or bad, I am thankful for. I especially love the hymn,
Thank You, Lord. This is the first verse.
Thank you Lord, for the trials that come my way,In that way I can grow each day, as I let you lead.And I thank you Lord, for the patience those trials bring,In that process of growing, I can learn to care.I can remember most of the lyrics by heart, save for some errors or omissions here and there. You would not believe it, but I led this hymn for the prayer session during graduation. So much has changed since I left secondary school.
Of course, I do forget myself sometimes and lose my temper, especially with my mother. I do not know why logic does not apply to our arguments. It just gets me all angry and silly. Stay calm, stay calm. We can work things out (albeit unreasonably so, which means I lose, anyway).
Anyway, showing gratitude for everything makes me content with what I have. It helps with justifying to myself why I can live without attempting to strike it rich, or why I can live without ostentatiously attracting the attention of people around me. I tell myself to be satisfied. That I am glad just the way life is. Adding the extra spice will not necessarily make me extraordinarily joyous.
I am ordinary me, being ordinarily happy. If I were strapped for cash, I would still try to be happy for the little things. And of course, always happy for the gift of life.
Older Post | Newer Post