Food for Thought

This doesn't directly relate to my back or back surgery, but I couldn't think of a better forum to voice my current thoughts.  Before I start, I will say that my back is doing great. I still have restrictions that I follow but I do not take any painkillers of any kind for my back.  Most of the time I have no pain whatsoever and I'm very grateful to have had surgery to correct my scoliosis.  It was worth it, and I don't regret it one bit, but like I said the following post isn't about my back. Lately, I can't help but realize how ungrateful people are for the abundance of gifts in their lives.  Life is far too short, and with the current loss of a student at my high school I know this is on the minds of many.  


The youth director of my church once told a group of us high school students a story of when she worked in a bank.  When handling money to be deposited in a man's account she asked if she should put the money in his account or hers jokingly.  The man told her she could have all his money if he could have her health.  After leaving church, I couldn't help but think about this man and people today.  I think he had the right philosophy to live by.  We get so wrapped up in our materialistic lives.  We constantly think about ourselves and things we want.  Rarely do we stop to be thankful for what we already have.  Everyone is guilty of this, including myself.


There are so many that don't have food, shelter, or water, and we get upset when we can't have the newest iPhone.  It's my belief that God gave us life so that we can in turn serve others.  Did He want this to be easy for us?  Probably not.  We all face challenges, whether big or small.  God doesn't give us anything He knows we can't handle, though.  We face our obstacles and they make us stronger, so that we can help others climb their mountains.  I pray that I never forget to live my life for God by living it to serve others.  I pray that I'm always thankful for what I have.  And I pray that I make a difference in other's lives.  Life is too short to live any other way.