image courtesy: blog.creativekismet.com

I dread getting ready to go out with the kids because it is literally a tug of war. Sunday morning, we were getting ready to go to church; first Sunday of the month. It was a thanksgiving day, so we try to look our best! So I brought out traditionally made dresses for the girls. First, they started screaming, “it’s tight, I can’t wear it”. This was after it had been ironed. With gritted teeth I said, “choose another one!”. So they chose another one. Toni now started the going out chant, “I don’t have any shoes to wear”. I said “that’s not true, you have two new formal shoes!”. She replied, “None of them fits, they are too tight”.

At this point I was livid with rage, I’ve only bought the shoes in June. How could she say they are tight already? She started crying because ‘she has no shoes’ to wear and I’ve completely ignored her. My hubby could no longer stand the whining and tears. So he bellowed at her, telling her when he was a child he only gets new shoes at Christmas and if he’s lucky he gets another during Easter. He decreed that she wears her converse trainers on the Ankara dress. Yeah, you guessed right she has about 3 different trainers, boots and summer sandals. In England, you buy and dress for the weather. So my darling daughter went to church wearing her trainers on her Ankara dress!!!! At this point, I couldn’t resist laughing, she was a sight to behold. She hid all through the service because she said people will laugh at her.

This post is not about Toni but about us as people taking what we have for granted. We desire more and forget to appreciate what we have. Many children of my generation had about 2 going out shoes. My parents were not rich and so we were very happy if we got a new shoe for Christmas. My girl has over 7 pairs and they are still not enough. I have friends who have been married for years without a child . Some have the one child and are praying to have the second. And I complain about the hassles that Tito and Toni give me on a daily basis. I want a better job, I want a bigger house, I want a better improved husband. Did I add better behaved children? Errrr, I also want abs with a well toned body too #Olympics2012.

We, as people are insatiable. We want better cars, better jobs, bigger houses, “improved spouses”, better weather etc. However, we need to take stock of what we have and take time to appreciate what our maker has blessed us with. Who says when you have that better job it won’t have adverse effect on your health? Who says if you live in a better neighbourhood armed robbers won’t daily make your life hell? I am not in any way saying we should not desire better things or improve ourselves. I am just saying we need to appreciate what we have and where we are right now on the way to where we are going. I hear some say “I will be thankful when I get there”. No you won’t; it is an attitude, learn it now. Then, when we achieve that dream life we desire we will thank Him and appreciate how far we have come.