Do we really realize what we have?

I just spent the evening watching a Spanish movie about group of three ladies who went to Argentina to help improve people's medical condition there. As I watched the movie, I once again realized how fortunate we are in America. I have seen firsthand poverty many times, and reflected on all that I saw in the Fijian villages. We have so much to grateful for, which I hope to illustrate somewhat here. The very idea that we have enough food to feed our families and that the food has enough vitamins to support the growth and development of children is such a blessing. Even the sugary cereals and the candy here is, at least, not detrimental to your health. I remember seeing children in Fiji who's teeth had rotted out because of sucking too much on some of the candy they have other there. I have yet to see, even on my mission. as I worked in the trailer parks and the slums of North Carolina people with the same challenges faced by people in these impoverished countries. Health care, dental care, those things are novelties for people in these villages. When I was working in Fiji we were developing a product to finally provide health insurance to the villagers. Think about it, not until 2012 was a product like health insurance available to them at an affordable price. As a result many mothers did not take their children to the doctor because they could not pay the price. This was evident in the health of the children we encountered there. We are so very fortunate to have good medical and dental care, surgery that leaves no scars, clean hospitals, and an abundance of locations nearby to seek care. To have received regular medical and dental check-ups throughout our lives, how very fortunate we are. We have jobs that can support a family, we have water we can drink without risking an upset stomach or gastronomical problems. Our food is clean, our clothes can be easily washed in washers and dryers in our homes, and we have refrigerators to store our food to protect us from food poisoning. We have glass windows that can keep out the rain and the cold, we have wood floors, we have doors that can be locked, we have phones to communicate easily, and we have computers in our own homes. That is just the beginning, we have a strong family who loves one another, and we have all built our foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ. Physically we have the strength and ability to reach out and serve those in need. It has been awhile since it I have seen so dramatically how blessed we are here in America. To even have a savings or checking account and to be able to save for a rainy day or a family vacation, is an amazing blessing. The realization that hit me tonight is that we have so very many reasons to be thankful. Each of us is so far from poverty and have been prospered in our lives so much so that perhaps we do not realize every way the Lord has showered down blessings from heaven in our lives. I thought I would share these thoughts so maybe you can remember and see a bit more how fortunate our circumstances have made us. All I know is that I feel responsible to be grateful for what I have and to share what I can as I really have so very much. Had I been in Fiji and had what I have now, even as a volunteer, I would have more than I could of ever hoped for. If I was a villager in Fiji or many of these other third-world countries, what we have would be only a dream to them.