The 
Thankful...
English translation from Swedish article
Österbottens tidning Feburari 2010
(Swedish version of "Thankful")Visst har vi skäl vara tacksamma...
As I awoke this morning, to begin a new day, the word thankful came to mind. We in Finland are so blessed in many ways. Often we do not see these blessings and sadly take them for granted in our day to day lives. We assume there will be fresh water when we turn it on. We naturally think the lights will work when we flip the switch, and that we will have electricity for other appliances, gas for our cars and heaters. When I am hungry, I just put on my snow shoes, coat, hat and gloves and run to the nearest market to get whatever things I need. The only thing I think about while going there, is if I will forget something maybe and have to return again for it. And medical attention? I just pick up the phone and call the hospital or Health Center for an appointment and it is done. If I need, there are buses and taxes available to get me to wherever I need to go. Thankful is the only word I can think of at this point, because I cannot find another to express my appreciation for all that I have this very day.
We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Somehow we live as though we know what it will bring. But the reality is is that things in our lives can change in the blink of an eye. As I grow older it seems that I have I have more of time to reflect on things. Reflection is good. Maybe it helps us to realize that through the storms and through the sunshine in our lives, overall, we have it pretty good. When I think of what is happening around the world in comparison to what is happening in Finland, well! I should never complain!
I of course think of Haiti. My my my... In the blink of an eye!
Already having a devastating history in this poor country and now this. Yet now and then we see on the News how people are managing. Many, still have hope and refusing to give up inspite of the devastation around them. They realize all to well that this will not all go away overnight. It will surely take decades to come. Heaven forbid that there be yet another earthquake, as there have already been aftershocks which can be just as bad. Still these beautiful people have a zest for living through all this.
When we look at such horrific happenings, think about this when you get up in the morning. Think: Thankful! Think: What can I do today to be of help to someone? Think to call a friend, a loved one and remind them how thankful you are for them and encourage them in their daily lives. Life is so precious and should never be taken for granted.
The mother that lost all her family in one second. The man who can't find his. Homes gone in a flash. No food, no water, no medical attention and the doctors without what they need to help patients. Here in our country, we just go to see our doctor, even specialists and if we have the slightest pain, they can give e something for it or we have pharmacies throughout our cities. On CNN this morning one doctor said he could not stand to hear the screams of children and adults as they had to amputate their limbs with no pain medication...yet it had to be done to save their lives. Yes, thankful we should be.
When I see on the News people that there were so happy to have a drink of fresh water, a piece of bread, someone to hug them and tell them things will be alright... These things remind me over and over to be thankful, even for the small things in my life. How often are we hugging those we call precious and dear to us? How often are we reminding each other that they are of great value to us? These things just take a second to do, but often we just take them for granted. We are quick to argue, to accuse, to be upset over often the most insignificant thing. How much more should we make time to spread some joy? Tomorrow is not promised, we just have this moment.
Over the decades some of my friends have said: "In Finland, we are safe. Nothing can happen to us here". For the young people, maybe they forget the past wars and the lives lost, etc. Or maybe they are able, thanks to those that have paid the price for freedom and gone on before them. Now they are able to get the education they need and follow the goals that they have in life. In other places like in Haiti, these are only dreams. There, still, when you look in the faces of these precious ones, still they smile, they dance, they have this "joie de vivre" that often I do not see with many of us in our own country. With all we have we maybe should be, in our hearts at least, dancing too and singing: Thankful Thankful Thankful!
Like many, I have been thinking, what can I do to help Haiti? I feel so helpless when I look at things with the natural eye. I am not a rich man. I have no power with politicians in that sense to have something immediately done and even if I did we see that things are not done as quickly as one would hope in such a situation.
My parents however taught me to pray. That it actually "moves mountains". And over this long life of mine I have seen this to be true. We can only do what we can at this moment, but use and do what you can when you think of Haiti. There is always something we can do if we think hard enough... And not just Haiti, but those in need right here.
There is no safe place. Not on earth in any case. We cannot ignore the needs of others while we sit back in our comfort and view their situation from afar. Even the rich can be brought down in a second and their need is just as great as the pauper.
The President of Haiti no longer has his beautiful and historical palace to sleep in. He and his family don't even have a home to go to. They must sleep, try to find food, and live with the poor people that maybe they never had personal contact with before this event in their land. Yet in the midst of all of their sorrow, there is hope. And hope will not fail us.
When we walk pass others who are less fortunate, be thankful. And not just that, if we can do something, in some small way, to be a blessing to them, to help them along their way, then do it and do it not expecting anything in return. For as we give, so shall we receive so much more in return. Remember however that we give not so that we can get something in return. Giving is just a principle that has worked since the beginning of time.
Christian-Charles de Plicque, Missionary/Evangelist
Angel House International Missions Ministries r.f
Karleby Finland
22nd January 2010
www.deplicque.net
