I was davening shemone esrai in mincha today, (yes, I do that occasionally) and when I got to shma koleinu, I inserted a small prayer of my own, in english, as I usually do.
Then it hit me. I'm always asking G-d for stuff, never thanking Him for the good He's already given me. Even though technically thats what davening itself is about, but I mean words from me, froim my heart.
At first I thought, hey, G-d knows what I'm greatful for, why would I need to verbalize it?
But you know what? He's our father, and as much as parents know their kids appreciate them, it's nice to hear it once in a while.
So I made a list of the Top 10 things I'm greatful for. There are many more, of course, but I think these are priority.
1. My health. The fact that there's nothing seriously wrong with me. (Though there may be things that are not so serious.)
2. My family. The fact that they love me, and accept me for who I am.
3. My friends, whom I love (you know who you are, and I'm only gonna say this once, so cherish it!) who care about me, and tollerate me, (some of the time) who make me laugh, who complete me, and make me ME.
4. My brain, because I was given a smart one, and the ability to think. (Even if I don't use it all the time.)
5. My ability to write, to communicate my feelings. I know there are people who have a hard time with this.
6. The fact that I'm Jewish (and lubavitch). Some people have to discover it, but luckily, I was born into it. Saved me a lot of time and effort.
7. My emotions, that I'm able to feel, to love, to laugh, and cry.
8. My feedom. Physically, that I'm not locked up in jail, or some third world country. Mental freedom, to think what I want. Freedom to do what I want, make my own choices. (Within reason, of course.)
9. I'm American! Cuz I think we're the coolist.
10. And lastly, the invention of the cell phone, so I can be in touch with the world, even when I'm out. (Though it annoys me when I'm sleeping, and people call, and wake me up, even if I really want to talk to them.)
Tell me, what are you greatful for?
you should turn this into a meme and tag people.
ReplyDeleteChanie
ReplyDeletePlease dont make her turn it into a meme.
I am thankful for me, without me what am I?
Dont worry, mike, I dont even know what a meme is (a little help here...)
ReplyDeleteYou can't be thankful for yourself, because you are you, its a fact. You have to be thankful for outside things. But if thats what you think then fine, go ahead.
I'm not going to "make" her do anything. It was merely a suggestion.
ReplyDeleteMe? What I'm most thankful for...is personal. Eh..may as well...dunno...
Grateful for the ability to cough without fear of ripping open stomach stitches.
ReplyDeleteGrateful for free internet.
Grateful for not being diabetic.
Grateful to be able to pick up languages.
Grateful to have Chassidus in my life.
Grateful to be able to daven at Mearat Hamachpeila.
wow. after reading this, I'm starting to question some of the things I'm thankful for. yours sound so...deep.
ReplyDeleteEr you're kidding, right?
ReplyDeleteDeep?
I thank G-d for everything you mentioned, so chose other ones that were not mentioned. Thanking G-d for your family, life, health, lifestyle--that's shallow?
Agav, there's nothing too little to thank G-d for. I have a post I wanna write about that..