Counting blessings, sublime to ridiculous

Randi Kreiss

Of course it isn’t just the little things that count; you need the big things in place to be able to appreciate the little things. You must have good health, people to love, a roof over your head, food on your table, something useful to do in the world, a dog at your side and peace of mind. Most of us give thanks for these gifts every day of our lives.

This morning, as I counted my blessings, the Big Seven, mentioned above, came to mind first. And then I began to think about what else I am grateful for on an everyday basis, what enhances my life minute to minute and hour to hour. And I want to say how thankful I am for these things, too — the small delights that light up each day:

First (and I never thought I’d say this), I’m grateful for my computer. Some 20 years ago I was working for a newspaper, pecking away at a typewriter like everyone else, when, overnight (yes, actually during the night), the publisher removed the IBM machines and replaced them with Kaypro word processors. I couldn’t have been more shocked if she had transplanted one of my kidneys without my knowledge. I thought I couldn’t live without my Selectric, but I did.

Now, of course, I can’t live without my computer. I use it for work; I order peaches from Harry and David, toys from Oompa and shoes from Zappos; and I check on the weather in Kuala Lumpur just because I want to. Most important, I use email to “speak” with family and friends. Via email I have pulled together family reunions, found long-lost relatives and nurtured relationships that might have fallen apart.

To be clear, it’s far from perfect. It ain’t a hug and a kiss, but when loved ones are far away, emails help. Since I don’t have a smart phone and I don’t tweet, my computer connects me to maps and movie times and restaurant addresses and good doctors and more recipes for Kung Pao chicken than I could use in 100 lifetimes.