Friday, October 10, 2014

My First World

As I sit at my computer and ponder what are the five best things of my week, I'm hard pressed to decide what to write.  Today I am having deeper thoughts than normal.

Do you know that term people bandy about--"First World Problems"?  I live in a First World country although I haven't always lived here.  I've been considering First World privileges which I don't always value.  I am reminded this week as I write my Friday Fave Fives to be thankful for my First World privileges.

1.  No one shot at me this week.  Now, I've been around 'hostile guns' before, particularly when I was living in Los Angeles.  So that's not just a 'Third World' problem.  But sometimes people will ask me about my day, and I simply say, "No one shot at me today.  It's been a good day."  They look a little startled ,and then they laugh but with an understanding that, 'Yes, we live in a safe and secure spot in the world'.

2.  This week, I took showers with HOT running water.  The water was clean and warm.  Truly, it's a luxury.

3.  My clothes are new(ish) and clean.  The washing machine and dryer did their jobs, and they weren't squatting at the side of the stream scrubbing the shirts and slacks.

4.  I ate my fill of fresh fruits and vegetables.  In fact, I ate my fill of all the food I desired.

5.  Oh yeah, about that clean water.  I drank lots of it.  No need to boil it before I drank it or used it to brush my teeth.

Also, I have the amazing privilege to own a camera and take photos whenever and wherever I want.  Here are three for your enjoyment--just random pictures from my files.




12 comments:

Anonymous said...

All great things to be thankful for in this country of ours...

Jerralea said...

What a great reminder of all the wonderful blessings we enjoy. I am truly thankful for them.

I get First World, I know about Third World... but what is Second World countries? These are the things I ponder, LOL.

Gorgeous photos! I am thankful to have a camera, too. So much nicer than the old-style cameras I used to have where I never remembered to get my film developed. I always cut the heads off, too ....

Faith said...

A wonderful list!!!! So often we take these first world comforts for granted, don't we?? Enjoy your weekend!!

Laura said...

Lovely photos, and a burst of gratitude!

Mia said...

We are truly blessed to live life in such a convenient, safe place. I needed that reminder of how blessed I am as I sit here and grump about the cold and rain outside. Thanks for posting the beach and palm trees... so wonderful to see something familiar! :)

Mereknits said...

Thank you for reminding us we are all really blessed.
Hugs,
Meredith

Susanne said...

I loved all your faves this week! We really, really should be very thankful in our two countries and take note of those things we take for such granted.

Barbara H. said...

We take those things so for granted, and I am so thankful for them.

Barbara H. said...

Just adding to my first comment - thanks for the reminder!

Monica said...

Willow this is a truely awesome post! Thank you for turning my eyes and mind to this type of thankfulness! What a blessing it is that we live where we do!

Tracy said...

The news of the world is so sobering sometimes. There is so much to be thankful for on a daily basis--nothing should be taken for granted. All is a gift. Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Willow :o) ((HUGS))

Barbara said...

Yes we are privileged and blessed but one has to wonder for how long these days. Love your sky photo.

Just been catching up with some of your fives.