As I step into my 40th year on this amazing planet, I'm counting my blessings.
My heart is filled with but one thought - Gratitude!
Gratitude towards my immortal creator, the infinite unseen almighty force that has driven me and has expressed through me for all these years - and continues to do so. Gratitude for having chosen me to be worthy of a human form. Gratitude for the testing times that always made me a better person. Gratitude for the infinite blessings for which I'm rarely thankful. Gratitude for making decisions that are right for me as against the ones that 'I think' are right for me. Gratitude for filling my life with abundance - health, wealth and spiritual prosperity.
Gratitude towards my mortal creators, without whom I would not have existed. Gratitude for bringing me into this world and the years of nurturing. Gratitude for continuing to accept me with all my faults and ego. Gratitude for their confidence in me. Gratitude for their never-ending blessings, both implicit and explicit, without which I would not have been half the person I am today. Gratitude for parenthood which is full of so many sacrifices which we children will never know of.
Gratitude towards my siblings, without whom I could have never experienced brotherly/sisterly love. Gratitude for allowing me to express myself freely growing up. Gratitude that they are still there for me when I need them.
Gratitude towards all my teachers, who have in so many ways influenced me to be the person I am today. Gratitude for their tolerance and patience with me. Gratitude for letting their experiences help me to learn. Gratitude for being the selfless beings that they have been in sharing their knowledge.
Gratitude towards my spouse, without whom my expression of love would have been incomplete. Gratitude for bringing a level of order into my life even while letting me live life on my own terms. Gratitude for taking interest in my interests and cultivating new interests. Gratitude for all the times she remained silent when I raised my voice. Gratitude for tolerating all the late nights that work kept me. Gratitude for bringing another set of parents and their blessings in my life. Gratitude for being a partner in bringing a wonderful soul and a bundle of joy into this world. Gratitude for helping me see and appreciate motherhood and is sacrifices.
Gratitude towards my child, for helping me see the miracle of life unfold in front of my eyes. Gratitude for the unconditional love and free expression of joy through every action. Gratitude to help me re-live my childhood through him. Gratitude for giving me a self-less purpose in life. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience parenthood and appreciate the role of a parent first-hand.
Gratitude towards my friends & relatives, who have always been with me, sometimes out of sight, but not out of mind. Gratitude that each of them played their role in the making of me. Gratitude for their selfless friendship, support and camaraderie. Gratitude for allowing me to be a part of their lives and sharing themselves with me. Gratitude for showing me the meaning of fun. Gratitude for the love showered on me.
The list goes on...
I know there is no way to repay what has been invested in me to make me what I am today.
I therefore pray that I always remember that and give back to life something worthy of the blessings I have received. Amen!
