Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

This Sure Is A Wonderful Life We Have

“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.”

It’s depressing to talk to someone who is always complaining? Certain folks seem to only have negative thoughts, and their conversation always centers on them.


Simple things of life are most essential and frequently the least unappreciated. “If we have our health, we have everything.” That is usually taken for granted. What is more
valuable to a person on earth than health? To those who have incapacities, they might contend their God, their family and friends are most important.

Of course to them that is true, but if they had sound health, they would have to appreciate it most of all. There are minor ailments one sometimes has to contend with like stomach-ache, head throbbing, muscle discomfort or even a broken limb, but often they are short-lived ailments and don’t need unnecessary disgruntlement.

Roof over our head and clothes on our body come right next in line of importance. Again, so much time is spent worrying about the quality and personal preferences of these, when one should just think about how fortunate we are compared to so many.

Weather is the most common thing to grumble about. Nothing we can do about it anyway, so we might as well just enjoy the wide variations. There’ll be a change soon.

Second in line for most negative conversation is food quality and preference. Considerable time is spent critiquing what is going to be eaten, where to eat it, how one preparation varies from another and on and on. One should think: “I sure am glad I can have a nice breakfast, dinner and supper. Wonder how I can help those who don’t?”

Never enough money for all things one wants is a constant negative concern. It is true that life requires lots of finances to just get by, but more is not always better. Richer
people generally aren’t any happier than us poor folks.

Let’s change our thought pattern. “I woke up this morning. I have my God. I feel so good. I can enjoy this gorgeous day. I have a roof over my head. I have my shirt, jeans and boots. I have breakfast. There’s family, friends, grass, water, trees, birds and animals. I have a horse to ride. I have a car to drive. I have a job. I get a token stipend. I have nothing to complain about. Thank you God for all of my wonderful blessings.”

We can’t help but repeat Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless it is to think that wealth brings true happiness.”  We are reminded of Psalm 92:4: “You made me so happy, God. I saw your work, and I shouted for joy. How magnificent your work, God.” Thus, direction comes in Psalm 119:35: “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where happiness is  found.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

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