Getting some perspective on life

I've often thought it would be good if the Australian government sent every Australian child to work in the slums of Calcutta for six months when they turn 16. It would be a good way to humble them and make them appreciate the good life and abundance we enjoy in Australia.

Maybe a cheaper way of doing this is to get teenagers to read 'Mao's Last Dancer'. I'm a third of the way through this book: the true story of a young Chinese peasant boy growing up in rural China in the 1960's who becomes a famous balet dancer. Growing up, his family is struggling just to get enough food each day (they had to eat yams for breakfast, lunch and dinner in one three year period).

This book made me realise how ungrateful we often are for our good lives here in Australia. We just need some perspective about reality occasionally so that we appreciate the good things we've got rather than to wallow and to keep wanting more. We've got lots to thanks God for ... when you think about it.