Taking "Nothing" For Granted...

My 21-year old daughter, who is a junior in college, left this week for a study abroad experience in India. Communication while she is gone will be difficult as she has a very busy schedule and limited access to a computer; however, her student group is doing a daily blog so that family back home can hear about their experiences. Their first blog post today was an update on their travels up to this point – hours of flying and layovers, settling into their new “home”, and their first safety lesson in India – “be careful not to ingest any water while showering”. I typically don’t shower with my mouth wide open but I do have to admit that it would be quite difficult to take a shower without getting any water in or on your mouth. Anyway, it got me thinking about all the “nothings” that I take for granted on a daily basis. All these little things that I rarely give a thought to but they have such a tremendous impact on my life and are only noticed when they don’t run as expected.

• Turning on the faucet and having water that is clean, safe to drink, and temperature controlled
• Flipping a switch and being able to light up a room
• Opening the refrigerator door and finding food inside
• Sleeping in a warm comfortable bed
• Turning a key in the ignition and having the car start
• Pushing a button on a computer and being able access any information anywhere in the world
• Pushing a button on a camera and preserving a memory forever
• Having the ability to go to the nearest doctor for medical advice and to the local pharmacy if medicine is needed
• Washing your clothes is as easy as dropping them into a machine

These little nothings add up to make my life easier to manage, safer to live, and more enjoyable. And, I need to remind myself about how important they are and to appreciate them.

Even more importantly, are the other little “nothings” that happen every day, for which I am also grateful.

• Getting an email from your husband that is signed “XOXO”
• Hearing your grandchild call out “Ya Ya” or watching her eyes light up when she sees you
• Picking up the phone and hearing the voice of your mom or your dad on the other end
• Having a sister or brother to talk to  - and they understand how important the “nothings” are to you and are there to support you and love you, no matter what
• Anytime your child reaches out to you for advice, support, or to share a laugh

What are the “nothings” that you take for granted every day? Is it not worrying about ingesting the water when you shower? Or something else?