The world news is so horrific these days that it causes me to reflect on how blessed my life has been. Tragedy can strike at any moment, but when you reflect on the facts that I have never really known hunger, have always had shelter, was raised by a loving family and live in a land that is not perfect but allows me to speak openly about all of my beliefs; the concept of gratitude overwhelms me.. These wondrous gifts are not afforded to every person on the planet, and today there will be untold weeping and more shedding of blood. Innocent lives will be snuffed out, children will go hungry, young women will be kidnapped and caustic rationales by governments will justify all sorts of war crimes .If you are blessed like me ,try for one day to ignore the petty issues that concern your life and pause to reflect on how grateful you should be for all of your gifts and blessings.