It is important that we count our blessings from time to time. Sure, life can offer some daunting challenges, but upon reflection, most of us enjoy advantages that many in the world do not have.

Come to think of it, there are far too many in our own country who suffer from poverty, homelessness, mental illness, incarceration, etc., etc. Yes, chances are that if you are reading this you have much to be grateful for.

The Town of East Greenwich is a beautiful community. It is also a pretty safe place to live. Add in the fact that our schools provide an excellent educational experience and one can see some of the advantages that are readily available.

While all of the above is true, we should also count our blessings for other reasons as well. We live in the most powerful nation on earth. We also have rights to move about freely, express our opinions and choose the country’s leaders.

All too often we forget the blessings given us. At times, many come to believe that things are ‘owed’ to them, or that in some way they are superior to those who do not have such things. The ancient Greeks had a word for this: hubris. Hubris comes

from an inflated sense of self-importance. It also comes from failing to recognize how lucky one is to live with advantage.

This morning I misplaced my cell phone (again). After grousing and asking my wife “Honey, have you seen my phone?” (how annoying that must be to hear) I frantically searched the house while feeling that the Devine had conspired against me. How often do we complain about such things? How often do we take it out on others, God, or bad luck? Such things happen when you come to expect what many in the world do not have.

With all of this said, life is pretty damned good. Yes, some bad things will happen. Yes, family members will get sick and die. And yes, we too will die. But, along the way we will have friends and family. Along the way we will witness sunsets, beautiful trees, babies crying, and loving others. On top of this, because we live in East Greenwich, R.I., part of the United States, there is little chance of encountering warlords, torture,

invasions and having to become a refugee. Folks in third world countries cannot even dream of sitting in front of a TV woofing down pizza and a Coke while watching Tom Brady throw a football. We’ve got it made. Maybe the lost cell phone, flat tire or spaghetti stain are not really that big of a deal.

So, count your blessings. Tell family members and friends that you love them. Thank those who serve and protect us. But most of all be grateful for what you have. You owe this to others who can only dream. Enjoy the rest of summer. God Bless.

Blessings

Listen to the park at play

children’s voices fill the air.

Then look upon the sky above

and wonder what’s up there.

Gaze into a good friends eyes

and admire all you see

then touch a lovely flower

while resting beneath the trees.

Count your many blessings

though often facing strife

there is so much to be grateful for

as we journey through this life.

Can you feel that soulful music

played by a violin?

And try recalling such a time

when you burst into a grin.

Late at night before sleeping

when your body needs its rest

take a tender time or two

to remember you are blessed.

Count your many blessings

though often facing strife

there is so much to be grateful for

as we journey through this life.

Robert Houghtaling is the director of the East Greenwich Drug Program. He can be reached at rhoughtaling2@verizon.net.