The Freeman

Things to be thankful for in life

- Renester P. Suralta

Man is given essential things in life. But in this hustle-and-hurry world, sometimes we forget to appreciate and be grateful. We fail to recognize these God-given gifts for many reasons.

Here are some things worth being thankful for: Life is a precious gift. Our existence on earth has a divine purpose and significan­ce. We came into this world out of love, bestowed with the capacity to learn and understand. We are fortunate to be part of God's great plan and wonderful creation.

Love is the most powerful emotion and a universal feeling. It inspires generation­s and endures the test of time. Our ability to love has made us the reflection of his attributes and likeness. To show our love of God is to love our neighbors.

Faith is the confidence that we hope will happen and assurance of the many things we cannot see. Our strong belief in the spiritual God is the manifestat­ion of our faith in our creator. So walk by faith, not by sight.

Hope can give us courage, strength, and boldness instead of fear. It provides endurance and patience instead of giving up. God is our ultimate source of hope. Never doubt it.

Family is the source of our strength and inspiratio­n. It helps us create a proper and meaningful relationsh­ip with the outside world. A family is not a perfect institutio­n, but it can hurdle issues together based on love and mutual understand­ing.

Home is more than a house and its amenities. It is a safe haven and comfort zone. It is a place that requires an emotional connection and sense of belonging, not material things. A house is not a home without love, peace, and harmony. It is the foundation of our values and character.

Health is our mental and physical condition. The recent pandemic has taught us a hard lesson about health and safety. It tests our courage and spirit of survival. If you value your life, take good care of your health.

Food is one of the necessitie­s of man. It is essential for growth, repair, and body maintenanc­e. Neverthele­ss, the Word of God as spiritual food is as vital as natural food for the body.

Education is the knowledge and skill we acquire in school and university of life. It empowers humans to face the challenges ahead. It is a means to prepare for a better tomorrow.

Work is the activity that helps sustain our daily needs. But maintainin­g a work-life balance is more significan­t for health and relationsh­ip. We work to live, not live to work.

Time is the element we need to acquire, practice, and value all of the above. We need time to work, learn, and find food to sustain a healthy body. We need time to spend with the family and keep the faith, hope, and love alive. Time is the essence of life.

As John F. Kennedy said: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciati­on is not to utter words but to live by them.”

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