Reasons for Overwhelming Gratitude via /r/gratitude

I've been mediating recently, and this morning I was overtaken by sudden overwhelming gratitude. I turned my reflections inwards, and contemplated my life.

Thank you God for my Limbs – I thought about how I have legs and hands. I remembered a woman born without arms, nor legs. I couldn't help but wonder how she must feel every time someone complains. She must be thinking "yeah, but at least you get to run, at least you get to itch your face and bring food to your lips". Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my limbs.

Thank you God for my Eyes – I thought about these blind people I see on the street. In an expat in Africa, and blind people are led about the road side begging for shillings. Just imagine how that must suck! Its the heat of Africa, 32 degrees plus, the mid day heat and they're wondering around between moving cars. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my eyes.

Thank you God for my Ears – I once heard about a blind man who fell down a manhole and ended up deaf. Just imagine not being able to hear the voice of the ones you love. Imagine how it'd suck to never hear your favorite songs again. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my ears.

Thank you God for my Heart – You take it for granted, but just think about all those people waiting in dread for a heart transplant, not wondering if their ticker will give out tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my heart.

Thank you God for my Mind – Just imagine what it'd be like knowing something was wrong with you, but not being able to process the wrongness into words. Having a mind disconnected from the brain/body. You try to walk, but your limbs don't move properly. You try to annunciate, but words refuse to spill forth, not that you can understand them. You wish simply eating food wasn't such a chore. Yet, the worst thing is these damn people who keep telling you they're your grandchildren but you have no clue who they are. Be grateful for your functioning mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my wonderful mind.

Thank you God for my Money – Out here in Africa, you can really see the difference money makes. I live in a 3 bedroom house, the irony being I don't really use the other 2 rooms. Yet, I've been to relatives houses and a family of 3 or 4 live in a one bedroom apartment, and by one bedroom I mean there's one room, and that's it. A sink and cooker in one corner. A shared bathroom with other families. Mattresses against the wall. Just imagine how you complaining about money can seem like bragging to those less fortunate than you. You say "woe to me because X" and someone poorer says "I wish I had their problems". Maybe, show a little gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for my money.

For those of you suffering, I'll leave you with this. Stop focusing on the now, and play games or something. I'm serious, once you stop focusing on what you "lack" and what "isn't working" and allow your mind to relax, then you give life the opening it needs to fix itself. Gratitude is key.

I have a note beside my bed, I read it at least once every day 14:7 "If you are grateful, I will CERTAINLY give you more…" Thank you for reading.