Perspective....

I've been told a number of times over the years that I tend to be rather opinionated about certain things, and I will be the first person to admit it. I like to think of it as "strong character," however I'm sure that it may be offensive to some. I like to "call it as I see it," and I know that I need to remember to zip my lips from time to time, but it is just so hard:).

Anyhoo, today D' and I went to Auntie J's house to celebrate Grandma O's birthday (Happy Birthday, Grandma O!). While there, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with Great Grandma T. She shared a story with us about how she and Great Grandpa T. immigrated here from Holland many years ago. They boarded a boat (this was not a fancy cruise ship w/all the amenities either!)bound for the US when they were in their 20's with a 9 month old baby in tote. They spent around 2 wks at sea watching countless people succumb to severe motion sickness and many of those traveling were already ill. They arrived with very little money, but HUGE faith that they would find food, shelter, employment opportunities, etc. After going thru the usual procedure at Ellis Island, they boarded a train and spent a few days traveling across the country. Great Grandpa T. found a job working at a dairy farm in California and rode his bike back and forth to work (which was evidently a bit of a distance) armed with a weapon (I believe that she said a baseball bat:) to ward off dogs that would chase him. They didn't have a car, nor was it in the budget for sometime. Great Grandma T. remembered having very little, and she would make dresses for her girls out of flour sacks. Toys were not a priority either, and a bucket of clothes pins served as entertainment for their growing family.

Similarly, my own grandfather (who passed away many years ago) was orphaned at the tender age of two. He was raised, along with his 5 siblings by his very strict Norwegian grandmother who would wake them during the middle of the night to gather wood for the furnace. At 12 years of age, he had enough, and "ran away" from home and fought to live. I imagine that he relied on the kindness of strangers. I imagine that he also begged for food, perhaps eating trash or whatever he could find.

Can you imagine being 12 years old and not having parents, nor a place to call home? Can you imagine fighting to provide basic necessities for your family, often working for hours on end with no breaks, no paid vacations, no annual bonuses, no retirement accounts, no portfolio's? Can you imagine leaving your native country and embarking on a journey to find a better life for your family. Sheesh, talk about sacrifice!

I think we are all guilty of complaining and grumbling about our present situations, whether it be lack of work, lack of time, lack of money, too many responsibilities, crooked politicians, not enough energy, cranky children, etc., but come on folks.....we really don't have it that bad! God provides us with exactly what we need. He provided for Great Grandma and Grandpa T, he provided for my grandfather, he provided for the Israelites time after time, and he certainly provides for you and me. Let's take a minute to realize the sacrifices made for us, and thank the Lord for all of the blessings that He has given us. In the long run, none of these "temporal" things matter anyway:).
----just my opinion....