I was just walking home after a late night shift and I had many thoughts in my mind. I was back in the office to finish my unfinished work, had to make enough money for everyone in my family, I was tired. I thought to myself, why is life so harsh on me. I had been a good human and I don't do bad things to other and in fact, I do occasionally help them when I have a little extra. Shouldn't the world be a little more compassionate to me?
Practically I was bitching about everything in my life which I felt was tough on me. The long hours at work, the workload, the salary, the chores at home and other nagging issues that keep me awake at night. I don't quite like that feeling.
On my way home, I passed by a restaurant. It was the back alley where they threw away their waste. There was a man quite disheveled and dirty. He looks like a homeless man and he was picking up the leftovers from the garbage.
I felt nauseous because that is not how a human should eat. A human should eat on a table, have his peace and enjoy his meal because it is the grace from above. He doesn't deserve that. Nevertheless, apart from feeling nauseous, I was also a bit disgusted. I know it is not politically correct to say so, but I was.
Whilst lamenting how my life was, suddenly I heard this man saying his praises to his God. He wasn't complaining, in fact, he is thankful for having some leftover food from the garbage. The entire episode changed me. Here I am complaining about how life could have treated me better. How hard I had worked and etc, but I have the basic necessities that I need. I have a roof over my head, I have food on my table, I have people that loved me, I have many friends and you know who you are and I have some money in my wallet. Isn't that all that matters in life?
Why are we so concerned about the size of the car or house that we own? The money in our bank? If this man can be so thankful for what he salvaged from the bins, there is every reason for me to feel like I am the wealthiest man around. If only I can change my perspective and be THANKFUL!
Whilst I was drawing this, I feel humility. We are always complaining without really understanding that we need to just change our point of view and we will focus on the good things in our lives and be grateful because all these are blessings. I am thankful because I am loved by my loved ones and I have my basic needs taken care of.
