As I took the train back from work yesterday, I spotted a man who had difficulties with his legs. He was standing in the rather crowded train, holding on to the railings as we moved from station to station. We happened to exit at the same station and only then, was his condition more apparent to me. He had deformed legs and yet, that didn’t stop him from doing what normal people do – take the train and live like everyone else.
It dawned upon me, how ungrateful I tend to be with the things I have in life. The blessings and good fortune I always thought “I deserved”. It’s a human trait. An ugly one that I too, suffer from. It rarely crosses my mind that while things don’t always go my way, I am rather blessed.
Blessed with enough capabilities that will take me through like without too much complications. Blessed that I have a life partner who puts my needs, wants and happiness above his. Blessed that while my parents aren’t always perfect, they still try and care enough to make me feel loved.
I complain incessantly about the things I don’t have or failed to achieve to my closest confidants, yet fail to see the abundance of what is given to me by either the man above, my parents or by good fortune.
How I tend to focus on the bits of seaweed and sand that clings onto me, rather than the sun and beach that stands before me. How I’m always hungry for things that can’t be mine. Consciously I tell myself that my mindset needs to change but by default, it shifts back to the comfort of envy. A dangerous cycle that many people including myself can’t seem to break.
But the man on the train made me realise how fortunate I really am. While he hobbled out of the station to his next destination, I stood and watched in shame, and reflected on all that I have. As rif pulled to the entrance of the station, I gave him the best smile I could despite my rough day at the office.
That stranger doesn’t know it, but he made me see things in a different light. And I hope to continue to be grateful with what I have even when the going gets tough. 🙂
To my Muslim readers, Selamat Hari Raya and to the rest, Happy Holidays!
3 comments
I hope some thoughtful person offered a seat on the train to this physically challenged man. I am always thankful for everyday, and I teach my kids that too. My daughter really took it to heart when she had this tattoo done on her arm : “there is always something to be grateful for”. Thanks for a thought provoking post!
Thank you Chris. 🙂
No one offered him a seat though. The train was super crowded that evening.
it’s too easy to take things for granted.
*sniff*