No Matter How Bad Someone Has It, There Are Others Who Have It Worse. Be Grateful For What You Have

I also took graduate courses to earn an M.A. degree, which kept me busy.  I had gotten my undergraduate degree in history, but was getting my master's in physical education, in part because the athletic administration office and the physical ed department were in the same building, and the university had me teaching physical education to handicapped children- kids with spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and other physical challenges.  Dr. Red Marx was my superior.  What a great man.  At first I was apprehensive because I'd never been exposed to people, especially children, with such conditions.  It didn't take long for me to realize that they were just like any other children emotionally, and it took even less time for them to have a profound impact on me.  I became angry at myself for the whining and self-pity I'd displayed at various times in my life.  Sure, I'd gone through some tough times, but I wasn't confined to a wheelchair!  I could sit upright and eat on my own!  Working with those children made me realize how lucky most of us are.  It also shortened my patience for people who complain about trivial slights. 

No matter how bad someone has it, there are others who have it worse.  Remembering that makes life a lot easier, and allows you to take pleasure in the blessings you have been given.

Pgs 56-57