Count your blessings

 Waking up to a cold, wet Cape Town filled my soul with joy to the power of infinity. The first thought that crossed my mind was that the rain not only cleanses earth but also the soul. Let’s consider and scrutinize this statement. Without water nothing can grow. When it rains plants, grass and trees gets a breath of fresh air. All the greenery on earth becomes even greener. Rain is like love falling down from the sky. It is insurance of new life. Just like that seeing the entirety of magnificent flora's thirst quenched; the yearning in my soul is filled with hope, joy and love. It creates hope that new life will be brought about. The hope brings about joy like a person seeing the ocean for the first time. Love is instilled by the knowledge of an abundance of beauty and food security. Thus rain is absolutely a blessing.

Love is an abstract noun. Meaning that it is non-tangible, but honestly it is not difficult to see the act of love. Let me give you an example: Just the other day I saw an old man and woman walking arm in arm. The old man had difficulty walking and his wife held on so tightly to him so that he could walk with a little more ease. If that is not love I do not know what it is. Living in a fast paced world has resulted in human race being blind to the act of love. In our life time we have plenty of opportunities to give and receive love. Why do we always want to create stipulations for giving love and receiving love? You remember that one teacher in school that annoyed you to the extreme by telling you that you are lazy? Well that statement in itself is an act of love! How? Well, it forced you to look at yourself and make necessary changes so that you become more diligent. Thus you tried to prove a point to the teacher and worked a little harder. Think of that friend that told you that you can do better. That is an act of love. He/ she saw potential and that statement forced you to become more innovative. Can you recall that day you became a portrait of love by giving the hobo something to eat or helped the old lady carry her groceries. Not only giving but also receiving love is a blessing.

You can never change what you do not acknowledge is a statement that is massively underestimated. It is wishful thinking to imply that some things are logic and that it comes naturally to all. Think twice! What you deem to come natural e.g. logic thinking is not natural.  Breathing comes natural, heartbeat comes natural, but one plus one equals two does not come natural as that it is a man-made concept and not based on automatism or instinct. Thus being able to acknowledge things and then change them if they do not suit you is a blessing that is sometimes taken for granted.

A few years back I had the privilege to teach a very pessimistic boy. Yes, you read correctly. It was a privilege, because I could inspire him to change his tunnel vision. For days on end he would complain to me about Dan being clumsy, Jo laughing to loud or Suzy being so boisterous. One day he and I were standing outside during break and he was having a blast complaining about everyone in the class when I asked him the following question: What would the world be like if everyone was like him? Immediately I could see him consider the question by the shocked expression on his face. Please believe me when I tell you that idea didn't sit well with him and he never made any bad comment about anyone again! Bringing me to the next point being appreciative of diversity is a remarkable blessing as everyone has something to bring to the table.

In conclusion when we count our blessing we are humbled to our knees. In that moment of awareness of blessings we find contentment and everlasting peace for we are geared to become extraordinary individuals. I challenge you to count your blessings each and every day of your life!