Things Could Always Be Worse

I believe that things could always be worse.

I could have my freedom of religion taken away. I could be forced to worship a god I did not believe in. I could be persecuted for my religion. I could be required to practice my worship secretly.

I could lose my family. I could be alone. I could be an orphan. I could have no one to look to for help. I could spend my days worrying about where I was going to sleep at night.

My house could catch on fire in the middle of the night. My parent’s insurance might not cover the fire. My parents could have to work extra hours to pay for a new house. My parent’s could go into debt.

I could live in a land where I was not able to get an education. I could be in a part of the world where books were hard to come by. I could be in a place where very few know how to read.

I could be unhealthy. I could even be very ill. I could constantly be in pain. I could be forced to stay in bed all the time. I could go through major surgery. I could die in the middle of the night.

I could live in a village where the police are corrupt and the government is an enemy of the people. I could lay my head on my pillow every night and worry that my tribe might be raided.

I could be like vast numbers of people throughout the world who live in poverty. My stomach could remind me every waking moment that I’m starving and desperate. I could be waiting in a long line in Zimbabwe hoping that there will be enough bread for my family and me. The water supply could be contaminated

I could be in an area of the world without a safe place to play. The field near our community could be littered with landmines. There could be warplanes flying above my head.

I believe that things could indeed be much worse that what they presently are. And because of that possibility, I’m thankful for the life that I presently have. This I believe.