Gratitude

As we all do sometimes,  I was inwardly complaining to myself about what I don’t have. I was going on and on comparing myself to other people then I caught myself. I realized I was being ungrateful for all of the things Allah has blessed me with. (Coincidentally, the kutbah today was about gratitude- just what I needed!) I reversed my inward complaints then started to think about what I DO have. I came up with a mental check list of things I should be grateful for even though I may- at times- feel like I should have more. This is by no means an exhaustive list but it’s a good start:

-I am in good health. All of my faculties work. I am not bed-ridden. I am not terminally ill. I am not battling a debilitating disease or recovering from a serious injury.

-I have a car…some people have to rely on others or take the bus everywhere. What’s more, I have a newer car. A nice car. (Maybe I’ll show my appreciation for it by washing it tomorrow, insha’allah).

-I have a place to live. I’m not homeless. Right now I’m living rent-free.

-I have food to eat. Good food to eat.

-I have clothing to wear. Lots of clothing. Nice clothing.

-I am literate. I can read at a high level. I can write.

-I have skills that I am getting paid for. I have a college degree. I understand and know how to play the corporate game.

-I have the courage to stand by my principles even when it’s unpopular to do so. I speak up no matter who’s doing the talking because Allah has blessed me to be courageous in the face of injustice.

-Alhamdulillah, I have a job. After months of unemployment. In this these hard economic times I was fortunate enough to have three job offers to choose from. I have extra money I can use for entertainment purposes.

-I have my family. Yes, they get on my nerves sometimes and I’m sure I get on theirs but I have them. (And my mom keeps finding more of them!)

-I have Islam. I am Muslim. Yes, it’s difficult sometimes but there is nothing else I’d rather be. I know what my purpose is in this world. I have guidance. I am not somewhere smoking weed, drinking, partying, committing zina, and self-destructing. Allah has blessed me with clarity and insight that many of the people I’m around do not have. That is such a blessing in this time of confusion.

-I have prayer. I have Allah. I know no matter what’s going on in my life I can turn to Allah and ask for his assistance. I have can ask for his guidance. For provision. I am fortunate enough to know when it comes to my relationship with Allah no one else exists in the world except me and him. I know my Lord can do that, can be that for me. It’s a courtesy he alone can extend to me. Allahu Akbar!

Thank you Allah for everything. I can never count  all of the blessings, the rewards. Save me from myself. Save me from others. Count me amongst those who are grateful to you. Ameen.