Beatitudes of Mine

Even though I've been on a hiatus, I haven't been uninspired. I finally realized that with my short term memory loss, I'd better put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) or I will lose all such inspiration forevermore. I DID have the foresight to make notes occasionally, but forgot where I put them.

 I've decided that it's time for me to take inventory. My blessings are many and varied. I am forever appreciative, and know that these gifts deserve recognition. I can begin with my most recent reminder.

 I live in Michigan and we are in the middle of a heat wave. I love Michigan, but no one ever moves here for the climate. Our winters are usually long and brutal, our summers hot, hot, hot and humid. Springtime here is lovely, as it is everywhere, and autumn is glorious. 

Today, to accommodate my heat exhaustion, I cranked up the central air to 'Arctic.' I then donned sweater and socks, and reveled in my luxury. Conversely, in the midst of one of our seemingly endless winters, I push the heat up to 'Hell' and open the windows. I know this is ridiculous, but I am fortunate enough to have been blessed with a life that has afforded me such wasteful luxury. Summer or winter, I sleep enveloped in a lush, down comforter, well aware as I nestle in for the night that I am in the minority, and I know not why.

 I'm overweight. That means I have too MUCH to eat. Even at my advanced age, I still eat like an unsupervised six year old. I consider chocolate a staple,and yes, I eat it every day. If there is none in the pantry, there soon will be.

 I live in a beautiful condo, tastefully done and adorned with my collections, hobbies and keepsakes, to which I am continually adding. It is my sanctuary, not that I'm in need of one, per se, because my life is mostly stress free and definitely happy.

 I have a designer dog who eats better than people in third world countries. She is pampered and spoiled and greatly loved. In fact, as it is with most dogs and their owners, we have a mutual admiration society.

I've enjoyed wonderful vacations, here and abroad and my idea of camping is the Holiday Inn instead of the Ritz Carleton . I've feasted on lobster and caviar and the the best of the best. I love a hot dog as much as a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon.

 I am so blessed in knowing that I am loved and respected by family and friends. Their presence in my life is especially fortuitous and I don't know what I would do without them.

 So, when my time comes, and I enter heaven (and I will) the first thing I will ask my Maker is why. Why is there so much wealth in the world and the ratio so wrong? Why are there Trumps and sheiks and places like Dubai? Why are there homeless and lost and broken and sick? Where is the middle ground? Why didn't God practice socialism?

 Why me? Why did You bless me in this way, so perfectly, so sumptuously and some, not at all?

 I'm healthy and wealthy and not very wise.