Being Thankful!

This morning, it is raining.  As I got up, I was thinking, "this is going to be a slow day," because the rain seems to slow everything down.  Then, as I hopped into the shower, I started to think about how different my morning is in comparison to the majority of those who live around us here in San Simon (that is the name of the village we live in outside of Chisec). 

I wake up in a warm, dry bed, walk over to the indoor bathroom and get into a warm shower.  When I get out, I have a dry towel to use and dry clothes to put on.  Although my kitchen is outside, I have a covered cement walkway over to the kitchen, where there is electricity and the coffee is warm and ready.  I take some milk out of the refridgerator for my breakfast, and sit down at a table out of the rain to eat my breakfast and have my morning coffee. 
This is not a normal morning routine, here in San Simon.  I am in a very small minority here who can share this type of morning experience.  In fact, I am pretty spoiled. 
Most here wake up in a one room house with wood walls, a thatched roof and a dirt floor.  Depending on how strong the rain was throughout the night, their floor could be muddy inside their home in the morning.  If they have a bed, it is most likely a wodden pallet with a woven matt and, hopefully, a blanket or sheet.  First, they'd untuck the mosquito netting that protects them from unwanted bugs while they sleep. They would dress quickly, back into the clothes from yesterday and slip on their shoes. They would need to get a fire going - a challenging job when all is wet - in order to begin to prepare breakfast.  If the kitchen is inside the house, the room would quickly fill with smoke, as the wet wood is forced to flame.  A breakfast feast would be warmed up beans and tortillas from yesterday and a bit of mosh (runny porridge) with sugar and cinnamon.  Breakfast would be quickly consumed so they could begin their day.
No, my life is not normal; it is very abnormal and privileged.  The very fact that I have a camera to take a photo and a laptop with internet access to write this blog, places me in the top minority group in San Simon.
And the truth is, San Simon represents the lifestyle of the majority of people in the world. 
This morning I was reminded of the importance of giving thanks for even the simple things in life.  I am so blessed! 
What are you thankful for today?  Tell someone about it and thank the Lord for it!