Friends

Living in first world countries, I think we tend to overlook the simple factors in life that we usually take for granted. For many of you who have read my blog faithfully since the start (or near it), you would know that I have commented on this topic several times and yet, I really do feel the need to point out again, the simple fact that we take things for granted. Strangely, the smallest factor in life can actually be the largest most valuable element which we would take for granted. For example, thinking about it, I really see that I take something as simple as clean water for granted. More still, I take water itself for granted.

I remember when we were in Geelong staying in the dorm, and the main water line burst, leaving residents with no in-coming water. Residents like us. This taught me a big lesson that we do take such a small unnoticeable element for granted. And when that element is suddenly gone, we then realise that we have to learn to try to get around it. Sometimes it's doable, sometimes you really can't do without it. And it's during times like that that you feel spoilt to an extent. Try imagining your life without in-coming water. It puts you in the situation where you start to wonder how people in places like Africa, India, etc. get by each day trying to live without something as valuable as water. How would you wash your hands? How would you brush your teeth? How would you use the toilet? Seriously, that's what we had to live through as well. Learning to conserve and be grateful for what we do have.

With that in mind, let me highlight some of the things which I have realised I have taken for granted. Even though I still would rather not live without it, I have to make a note that I shouldn't be so 'blind' to how valuable this element is to me. Perhaps you might want to take notes yourself.

• Health - Undoubtedly, this is one of the greatest things which we as people take for granted most of the time. We only truly realise that our health is important when we start to fall ill. Afterall, who wants to get sick? Who wants to be not 100%? Besides crazy people, I doubt any of us would like to be unhealthy. And by unhealthy, I mean to be ill. I feel so blessed when I'm not sick, even though sometimes I don't realise that I do take this for granted.

• Food - Without food, we would probably be dead. Whether it's a delicious 3 course meal or a peanut butter jelly sandwich, they're both still food and food is valuable. Personally, I love food, and I love eating it. So if I didn't have food, I would probably die, literally. Like most people would =P

• Clothes - If I didn't have clothes, I wouldn't leave my house. But if you look at it, not having clothes is fine if you're at home... alone. Unfortunately for us, this is a civilised world so we will have to do with clothes. But the kind of clothes that I am talking about is the type of clothes that we can wear which don't have ripped up holes who tend to display itself publicly like a breathing zit on a nose. Basically clothes that are not ripped, stained, smelly, permanently maimed, etc. are the type of clothes which we would actually take for granted. Think about it. Even simple house clothes. Imagine having clothes like those down the street in between the alley, behind the garbage bin, sleeping on a piece of toilet paper who suck on their 'magical bottle' to make all problems go away. I wouldn't want those kinda clothes to sleep in, yet alone wear else where. Now that I think about it, I like my clothes thank you.

• Friends - For the few of you who have been away from home, I congratulate you for your boldness and strength to maintain your sanity. For those of you who are reading this from a mental institution because you left home and went all certifiably insane, I still congratulate you for your boldness to admit yourself into the institution. But this is for those who are still sane. Moving here to Singapore, I've realised that friends can make or break you. They can either make your life an absolute torture, or they can make your life a wonderful experience. Either way, they will have an impact on your life. So on top of that, when you move, you will then be able to determine who are your true friends and who are not. Through all things, true friends will find a way to be in contact, no matter what. Even though the distance may be enormous, the relationship stands. It was only when I moved here alone, that I realised how much friends really do mean to me. There were some of you who encouraged me through the net and on the phone, and I have to thank all of you who have helped me one way or another. I don't think I would be as 'sane' as I am now if I didn't get the help that I got. Friends really are a great thing God has given us, and I am one very blessed kid to have made so many.