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Monday, June 14, 2010

A reminder to count my blessings

I must be getting old. I've been reading John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" without even being forced to. I found an old copy in a second hand store, and couldn't resist. I'm finding that every time I read some of that book, I realize that even on my worst days, I have so much more than the people who lived the story depicted in that book...It really puts things in perspective. I know I read parts of it in high school, and again I think in college, but I don't remember being this moved by it--maybe because at those stages in my life, I couldn't relate so easily? Not that I can now, really--we all have it so good.

And I'm grateful for the life I have, even if it seems hard sometimes.

3 comments:

GB's Mom said...

I wouldn't trade my life for anybody else's

Anonymous said...

You're right; the Joads had a crappy time of it. I often remind my children to count their blessings when the boys get pouty because they can't afford the new car that they want and have to "settle" for a less luxe new model.
My daughter thought the world was coming to an end because we wouldn't let her stay at her friend's family's beach house without an adult there all the time to keep an eye on things.
I remind them that they're fortunate to be healthy, smart and good looking but they don't want to hear it. They think I'm amusingly antique when I tell them to count their blessings. It takes several decades of living to appreciate how blessed we are to wake up each morning.

Robin said...

You have a hard row to hoe and I admire you for handling it so well, sending you (((HUGS)))