In a state where prices were always going up, Mike usually took the little things for granted. Breakfast on the table, a roof over his head—these were just parts of his day. His parents worked hard, but he rarely noticed the strain. He complained about not having the latest gadgets or the trendiest clothes. He always wanted what the rich kids flaunted.

One day, while heading home from school, Mike passed a boy his age sitting on the street corner. His clothes were tattered, and his eyes followed the bread rolls in a nearby bakery display. Mike hesitated, then approached him and offered his sandwich. The boy accepted it with gratitude, which surprised Mike. He devoured it like it was a feast, and for him, maybe it was.

That night, Mike couldn’t shake the image of the boy from his mind. He started noticing things he had overlooked before—the way his dad came home exhausted but still managed a smile. The way his mom stretched every penny to keep them fed and clothed. The home-cooked meals, the worn but clean clothes, the school books—these were all blessings he’d been blinded to.

Slowly, his perspective changed. He began to see his life through a lens of gratitude. He thanked his mom for dinner, helped his dad with chores, and stopped comparing himself to others. He realised that what he had, though modest, was more than enough.

On a Sunday, as they sat down for a simple family meal, Mike looked around the table. His parents were laughing, sharing stories from the week. His sister was teasing him about something trivial. Just then, in that moment of warmth and love, it dawned on him that he was rich in ways that truly mattered. He had a family who cared for him, a home filled with love, and enough to get by. And for the first time, Mike felt a deep sense of gratitude for the little things that made his life special.

Most of us compare our present situation with those who are better than us, forgetting that, sadly, some people wish to be in our not-so-good situation.

What a life!

It is good to desire and dream for the best. 

I do. 

However, learning to live in the present opens our eyes to the blessings that surround us. 

So my little advice to you is to learn to thank God for the past, whether it’s good or not. Then, thank God for the present, and most importantly, learn to live in the present. For the future, don’t forget to always trust God to lead you. Be grateful for each step you take towards achieving your dreams.

That way, you’ll always be grateful for the blessings in disguise that you enjoy daily.