When people stop to think about these taken-for-granted abilities – even something as natural as going to the bathroom – it helps put things in perspective and chase away depression.
Years ago I met a set of twins who had been born prematurely and had been placed in oxygen-rich incubators to help them survive. At the time of their birth, it was unknown that oxygen could damage optic nerves, and these twins, and other preemies, were blinded by the very device that helped them live.
I too was a premature twin put into an incubator – but when I was born nine months after them doctors were already taking precautions and covering infants’ eyes. I don’t have perfect vision – I needed glasses at age 8 – but that’s probably because of the comic books I read in the dark when I was supposed to be sleeping.
When I met the twins, I was a young mother in her late 20s, going through a very stressful divorce, not living on my home turf, hundreds of miles from my family, and, at times, would rant and rave about my unfortunate predicament, especially when I would see couples walking home from shul. In those days of mixed seating, I was often the “fifth wheel” at the table.
Yet when I would see these two blind twins as they white-caned their way down the street, my focus would change from self-pity and rage to how lucky I was – I actually had it good. I remember them telling me how they enjoyed their first trip to Israel with a tour group. I too had been to Israel years earlier but I am sure their visit was not like mine; I wandered on my own in the shuk and took in the sights and the sites in all their beauty. I was glad they had an amazing time – and very sad that they, in “my eyes,” had missed out on so much.
Yes, my lot was difficult and I was so entrenched in thinking of what I was lacking that I was not mindful of what I did have.
That is the gift of mindful prayer: it makes you aware of your reality – and how much there is to be grateful for. When we thank our Creator, it is we who benefit, for our eyes are opened to the numerous blessings that saturate every moment of our lives.
