508's Secret English Garden

 50827廖芳誼                  Appreciate What You Have Now

      I was once a wayward and discontent girl.  When I saw my classmates play the piano, I envied them so much.  However, my family was not rich, so there was no extra money for me to take piano classes.  I used to get angry at my parents and complain about my poor family.

      Not until I saw some astonishing news did my attitude change.  One day, I saw a report saying every 7 minutes a person died of hunger in Africa.  I was shocked by the number.  I was shocked to see many African children with big bellies and helpless eyes, because they were so poor that they need to eat even bugs and dirt to replace food.  I was shocked that such poverty actually exists in the 21 century!  From then on, I finally have realized I was so blessed to have my family with me.

      As a proverb says “In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is the king.” Now I am much happier than ever because I appreciate that I can live a comfortable life.  I have sufficient food to eat, clean water to drink, and good schools to go to.  The news gave me a valuable insight into life.  Although my family is not rich, when I think of the Africans, I feel satisfied.  I will learn to cherish everything around me, especially my family, and make up for my past immature thoughts because I have understood happiness lies in contentment rather than in wealth.