random and pointless influential things

"Be grateful for the things you have". Someone probably told be this for the first time when I was really little and I was telling them what I wanted for Christmas and the list was probably a mile long. It seems that it would be a very common quote. Yet, in my life it has probably been one of the most meaningful. When we went to Africa last year, I saw so many people that were worse off than me. Some were literally living in the middle of nowhere, without running water or electricity. It's hard to imagine what it would be like- with no computer, or even lights to cook with, and for that matter it would be impossible to cook instant mac and cheese. A very big problem!!! Many of them wore the same clothes for a week straight feeling lucky they can change the next week. Not to be stereotypical, but most American people have WAY to much stuff. We wear a different item of clothing every single day. I'm definitely not saying that that's a bad thing, until you wear a different thing every day of the year. That would be scary. But to some people, one tiny toy car made from sticks and wood would be the best present they ever got, and they might like it more than a Wii. Just saying.

When most people see a lot of presents, and they know they're for them, they feel an urge to open one, say a quick "thank you", and rip open the next one. I've never been that way. I like to draw out my present opening and let it last as long as it can...until I explode and can't resist. Just kidding. Don't get me wrong by thinking that I'm "perfect" according to my examples. Although I don't always think before I speak or do something, I've learned to appreciate what I have. In many books, this quote is the main theme for the plot. Usually they're about someone who is greedy and want more and more, and then all the sudden something bad happens to them and they realize that there is more than "things" to life. Like those books, this quote writes the book of my life.