Repost from 1-4-2009
Just a little bit ago I got myself a bowl of a mixed fresh fruit medley. Sounds pretty ordinary and mundane doesn't it? Consider it for just a moment or two...
It is winter in Ohio and I just had fresh strawberries, tangy pineapple, tasty mango, wonderful grapes, and a little kiwi! WINTER and fresh fruit. Every bite was a delight not only because of the fantastic explosions of taste in my mouth, but because I realize just how lucky I am.
In my life I have had a gun held to my head twice, shot at once, lost the love of my life after only a few weeks of marriage, and came close to death on four seperate occasions. I don't mention any of this to whine or cry about it. Instead I truly feel blessed by life despite any of it. Here I sit living in many ways better than a king or emperor could have a mere century ago. Had the Tsar of Russia eaten my fruit medlay a century ago it would have been seen as the height of decadence. When you read my first sentence you probably gave it no thought and wondered where I was going with such an everyday bit of information.
Despite anything and everything life may throw at me I will see myself as blessed. Living in this place and time has provided me with opportunities I have not always availed myself of. Still, I have experienced enough to weigh myself fortunate....Mmmmm strawberries!
Every bite of my fruit brought me the realization that many people are not so fortunate. I feel no guilt for my good fortune but do wish everyone the same opportunities I have had. With the means I have at hand I will try to put strawberries on other tables when I can, hence the lack of any guilt...
My recent heart attack would have killed anyone just a few decades ago but was a minor event because of modern medicine. My family and I live in relative working class comfort and we are essentially safe as can be with no marauding rebels or criminal gangs at the door. Nearly anything we wish for (within reason) we can have with just a little work. No backbreaking labor just to put a little thin gruel on our tables! For me every day really is Thanksgiving.
So when you read my journal (in these blogs I share) always remember: I want all the blessings I have for everyone. No skin color or language or geographic location or somesuch keep me from regarding my fellow humans with this hope always in mind. I rejoice in all those who work hard to build and move towards fulfilling my dream. But when it comes to those who choose to destroy and to kill I turn my back. You see, I want fresh strawberries for you all!