I have to admit that I don’t like the cold – and these last few days have felt very cold to me!

Yet – the thought struck me that – where I live – we are certainly not experiencing as much cold and disruption as many other areas are. Our roads are mainly clear – the sun has been shining – and we have been free from the cold winds – which always make it feel much colder – it certainly – “could always be worse!”

And of course – it’s not simply been the cold. We have heard about many who have suffered from floods – loosing their homes – and facing uncertain futures.

A situation which thankfully I have never had to face – although a couple of years ago we did have a flood – almost to our door. It all begs me to remember that – “No matter how bad things are – they could always be worse” – and – that I need to – “start finding gratitude for what might have happened – but didn’t” – and we certainly were thankful on that day.

There has been so much in the news this past week – of disasters – that have befallen many – in various parts of our world – causing them to flee for their lives – and fighting to survive.

Life can be hard for us all – that is life – but – “No matter how good – or how bad – you think life is- wake up each day – and be thankful. Someone – somewhere else – is fighting to survive”.

I am so often reminded of the wisdom of seeking to see things in perspective – to – step away as it were – from my own life – with all the challenges and problems that cross my path from time to time – and to recognise – that many face problems bigger than mine.

I love this quote here – that suggests that – “If everyone in the world put their problems into a big pile – then we were told to pick a few – we would quickly grab back our own. Once we could see some of what other peoples problems are – ours might not look so bad”

I admit – that it’s not always easy – when I am struggling with problems – going through difficult times – and life feels so hard – but – if I seek to see beyond myself – and to actually recognise that in fact – things could be worse – then – I realise that – I am indeed blessed – as someone here said – “I think that when you realise – that it could be worse – you realise how blessed your life just became”.

And so – I may be cold – but I am so very thankful – my life is indeed blessed – Lois