|
Gratitude
So many of us have things to be grateful for. Often those persons who are
most grateful don't express their gratitude -- at least not in words. As
vegans we tend to be part of this group. It isn't that we forget to be
grateful; I think we tire of being reminded we should be. We regularly turn
up our noses at food, clothing, and other products, and often are chastised
for it. People are starving; should we be thankful we are not? Gratitude
very often is framed in guilt. He is homeless; should I be thankful I am
not? I would much rather be thankful he is not...or would I? The expression
of gratitude merely by words is mostly self-serving. I feel gratitude is
better expressed through positive action. As vegans we do this through the
choices we make on a daily basis.
I am grateful for the abundance of food available that allows me to choose
what I eat so that someday world starvation may come to an end through the
distribution of grain. I am grateful for holistic alternatives to healthcare
so that someday they may be used where allopathic medicine has failed. I am
grateful for living in a democratic society that allows for the diversity
needed to bring about change. I am grateful that nature has given me all
that I need so that I, too, can give. I could go on...but these are just
words.
Vegans have chosen a difficult path. The things we are most grateful for are
the things that we have to fight hardest to protect. We cannot afford to be
apathetic. So, above all, I think I am most grateful for wisdom and the
strength to live by it. I also am grateful for the simple things that give
me this strength, such as my spirituality and the companionship of others.
But then, what is companionship without communication? So I guess a few
words are needed. Two in particular...thank you.
Desi
Florida
- n
e x t e s s a y -
Copyright © 1998-2013
by Jo Stepaniak All rights reserved.
Nothing on this web site may be
reproduced in any way
without express written permission from the copyright
holder.
|
