Something to Ponder

Gun’s Quote-of-the-Week:

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a warm place to sleep…you are richer than 75% of people in this world.

“If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, spare change in a dish some-place…you are among the top 8% of the wealthy.

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness…you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

“If you have never experienced the dangers of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of physical starvation…you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

“If you can attend a church or temple meeting without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death…you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. (HALF the world’s population)

“If your parents are still alive and still married you are very rare; representing 33% of the population in the United States!

“If you hold your head up high, with a smile on your face and are truly thankful…you are truly blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

“If you can, hold someone’s hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder… because you can offer a healing touch. You have more than what most people in the world can imagine.

“If you can read this message you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.”

-Unknown

As per Gun’s Quotes tradition, “Something to Ponder” is posted this week, Thanksgiving week. Most of us will wander back to our homes and eat turkey, stuffing, rolls and, of course, pumpkin pie.

Most of the world will not.

The accuracy of the above information has likely changed from when it was originally written. Things may be better or perhaps they are worse, but in any case I hope it provides two things for you this week.

First, I hope that is serves to help you see what you should be thankful for. I hope it brings about a reality that says that you should thank God and your friends and family for the wonderful things that you are blessed with in your life. I hope the above helps you become grateful.

The other thing is that I hope it makes you angry. I hope it makes you see that there is way too much suffering and anguish and sorrow in this world in 2011. I hope it stirs up something in your soul that says, “This is not right,” and I hope it makes you want to do something about it.

My house has decided to adopt a family this year. We know that we are part of a larger community and that somewhere a family is in need. While we cannot save the whole world, we will make sure that this upcoming holiday season is special for a family who right now is probably wondering if they will have much to be thankful about.

Count your blessings. They are as numerous as the stars.

…and that’s why it’s a Gun’s Quote!