Being More Thankful
Imagine you were born in 1900. When you’re 14, World War I begins. It ends when you’re 18, with 22 million people dead. Shortly after that, a global pandemic called the Spanish Flu begins and kills 50 million people. You come out alive and free; you’re 20 years old. At 29, you survive the global economic crisis called The Great Depression, which begins with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange. Inflation, unemployment and quickly hunger follow. When you turn 33, the Nazis come to power, and by the time you turn 39, World War II begins. Over six million Jews die in what’s called the Holocaust. World War II ends in 1945, with over 60 million deaths in total. When you turn 52, the Korean War begins, and at age 64 you’re a witness to the Vietnam War. You’re 75 by the time it ends. Meanwhile, a young man born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, even though they’ve survived several wars and disasters. Another young man, born in 1995 and now 25, thinks it's the end of the world when his Amazon package takes over three days to arrive, or when he doesn’t get more than 15 likes for a photo he posted on Facebook.
In 2020, many of us live comfortably, and often have more than we need. Instead of being grateful, we complain about everything. We forget that we have electricity, phone service, food, hot water, and a roof over our heads — things that weren't guaranteed to our ancestors. In fact, many of the comforts we enjoy today didn’t even exist then. Yet, mankind survived far more disastrous circumstances and never lost the joy of living. Perhaps it’s time to stop complaining, stop whining, be less self-involved, and be more thankful for what God has provided us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us and to do everything for our good. What more do we need?
