We are constantly reminded that we are the luckiest people in the world.  A while back, I wrote that I feel like the luckiest person ever, and it is true, I am that most lucky of people!  If I were a better person than the one I am, I would remember that every day, and thank my lucky stars, but I am weak and shallow about many things, and I still have a tendency to let the little things sway my thoughts.

And some of the REALLY BIG things that are swaying my thoughts lately are causing me to think of four letter words.  Words like:

 FIRE- I can only empathize with all those persone in southern California that have been driven from their homes.  The photos on the non-stop-news are just riveting.  I have a very close friend here who lived until recently in San Diego, and he has been keeping up with friends there, ALL of whom have been affected in one way or another.

 WIND and RAIN- There are a couple four letter words for you, and any one who has lived or even visited New Orleans or the Gulf Coast from Galveston to Florida can tell you a little bit about wind and rain.  It is incredible to see the folks in southern California coping with an evacuation even larger than that in New Orleans, but all is calm.  I would think that any kind of evacuation would be a totally traumatizing event, and I just cannot understand the vast differences in order, cooperation and comraderie that is being displayed in California.

WIND- We could use a little bit less wind in California right now.  It is really not helping matters that the wind is whipping up the flames efery which way!

RAIN- I think the folks in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia would appreciate a little bit of rain right now.  Today, a city in Tennessee ran out of water, and there is no rain in sight.  THe mayor turns the water on at 6PM and turns it back off at 9PM.  You can have water for three hours per day.  What is that all about?  Why can’t we get water to these folks, with or withour rain!

WAIT - Now there is a four letter word for you, and all the folks that were affected by the hurricanes can tell you a little bit about the wait game.  The word wait brings another four letter word to mind…FEMA…okay, I know that is really not a word in the strictest sense, but it counts for this piece.  We still have folks all across Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida that have been waiting years and years for some HELP and relief, but they are still waiting.  Why is it we are not taking care of our own?  Which brings us to another four letter word…

HELP - We can all help is some way.  The most immediate thing I guess we can all do is to send some cash to the Red Cross, and designate it (if you would like to) to the California relief efforts.  Every little bit can and will make a difference for someone.  Do what you can.

CARE - Care for your fellow man or woman.  Say something nice today to someone who does not expect you to.  Be a friend to someone who does not have enough friends.  Do something NICE for someone who may be less fortunate than you.

Think about FOUR LETTER WORDS in a whole new way, and remember to count your blessings.