Gratitude

You know how about we always complain about needing more, wanting more?

On my trip back to Yangon from Kalaw, approximately 7pm, a single event that I witnessed completely changed my life.

At least I hope that I would permanently remember that image.

We were in a hired van, and for most of the 9 days in the van, although it was sooooooooo old we were generally grateful that it brought us to where we wanted to go. Never mind the dust that got onto all our clothes and faces. Never mind the air-conditionless van. Never mind the non-existing suspension of the van. Never mind the every single spot we touched was black in color.

We were on the end of the highway and entering the border of Yangon, and from far we saw a boy sitting on the middle of the street. "That's really dangerous, vehicles could easily not see him", we exclaimed. (Given the fact that Myanmar doesn't have enough electricity so the lights were kinda dim too).

As we passed by, guess what we saw the boy doing? He was holding a book, reading. The only reason he was sitting there, risking himself being run over by vehicles is because he needed the lights from the street lamp. I guess his house must not have electricity then...

And our kids in Malaysia? (and many parts of the world) They could not be bothered nor appreciative of the resources provided by parents...luxurious study table, chair, all the books they can read. Instead they complain of wanting the latest gadgets. I'm sure this poor boy would've been ecstatic if his family could afford to have electricity at home.

So the moral of the story? Be appreciative of what we have. It's not easy when there are so many things that we are chasing in life, but sometimes we just need to step back and appreciate what we have. ♥♥♥