Have you ever felt sorry for yourself when you look around and other people seem to have more than you do? When life just doesn’t seem fair? That's how I felt recently looking at a 2011 Camaro. And then a friend reminded me of something very important.
My Day of Lust
I am somewhat of a Camaro aficionado. I rebuilt my own 67 Camaro. (You can see a picture of it on my Facebook
).
I really like the 2011 Camaros. As I was looking at a beautiful victory red 2011 Camaro yesterday, I really wished I could own one. In fact, I went further than wishing, I think I was lusting.
I had the opportunity to drive one in Florida for a week as a rental car, and that only flamed my desire to own one like a fire. The Ten Commandments say, “Thou shalt not covet.” But I really want that car. So I was feeling pretty sorry for myself yesterday as I stared at my fantasy.
Some Good AdviceThe great thing is I have truly amazing friends. Amazing friends don't allow you to have pity parties. They call you out and make you feel better. I have heard people say, “A friend is someone who accepts you for who you are.” That's not true. The drive through person at Burger King accepts you for who you are. A true friend helps you strive to become all you can. They let you know when you are being ridiculous, as I was yesterday.
My friend Keith pointed out what a spoiled brat I was being. Then he reminded me of some really important things.
We are All Wealthy● Half of the people on earth go to bed hungry every night. Are you part of that half? If not, you’re wealthy.
● Sixty percent of the people on earth live in shanty towns with no running water and no sewage. Do you have running water? You’re wealthy.
● Half of the people in this world live on $2 a day. Think about that for a moment: $2 a day. I have been to 46 countries on 6 continents. I have witnessed it with my own eyes. These are hard working people.
● If you make $30,000 a year, you are in the top 1/10 of one percent of the worlds income.
We are members of the lucky sperm club. We did nothing to earn being born in the richest country in the history of the world at the richest time in the history of the world. That was given to us by grace. What we choose to do with it is up to us. I am grateful for friends who help point the way. Grace comes to those who are grateful. I am a blessed person, and so are you.
[ Ed. Note:Dr. Tim Reynolds is the founder of Living Every Minute . He believes in teaching people how to live with an attitude of gratitude. Want to hear more from Dr. Tim on living with an attitude of gratitude? Check out his audio cd program that will change your life.]
Dr. Tim Reynolds is the managing parter for HealthCare Express. He is also the president and CEO of Dr. Tim, International, a company he founded in 2009 to allow him to share his passion for Living Every Minute with others. He dedicates countless hours each week to helping other people change their lives through mentoring, life building, giving inspirational talks and writing for his motivational newsletter, Adventures with Dr. Tim.
Dr. Tim was the first member of his family to graduate high school. He joined the military shortly after graduation. Dr Tim was a graduate of the Special Forces Q-course in July of 1982. He served as a Green Beret medic on an A-Team, as the Battalion medic and eventually as a Special Forces Battalion Surgeon for the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He served both enlisted and as an officer for 17 years.
After getting out of the military, Dr. Tim was the first in his family to graduate college with honors. His passion for helping people inspired him to become a medical doctor, and in 1993 he graduated Summa Cum Laude with an MD degree from the University of Utah. He completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Texas A&M Scott and White in 1996 and is board certified in emergency medicine. Dr. Tim is the managing partner for HealthCARE Express, a group of urgent care clinics rapidly expanding across the United States.
Prior to starting HealthCARE Express in 2006, Dr. Tim held numerous positions across the medical field, including: medical director of the Wadley Regional Medical Center Emergency Department and level II trauma center; director, Texas College of Emergency Physicians Board of Directors; president of E-Med Services, LLP and of E-Med Billing Solutions, LLP; associate clinical professor for the Area Health Education Center at the University of Arkansas; founding member of the Greater People’s Clinic of Texarkana Board of Directors.
Dr. Tim speaks fluent Spanish, having lived in Guatemala and traveled throughout Central America.
In addition to his medical experience, Dr. Tim is also an entrepreneur and successful businessman. He is currently the chief executive officer of TL Reynolds Properties, LLP, a real estate investment company; and he is a managing partner of JJET Developments Ltd., a real estate development company.
Dr. Tim has served on numerous other committees and boards throughout both the medical and business communities and is published in various journals and publications. He is sought after as a presenter at many national conferences.
In his leisure time, Dr. Tim enjoys spending time on his Ranch in Atlanta, Texas, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Pam, and their five amazing children. He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, is a SCUBA rescue diver, and a pilot. He also enjoys body building, golf, and hiking.
Dr. Tim is a world traveler, having visited six of the seven continents. He is a firm believer in living every minute of life and teaching others to do the same. His online website www.livingeveryminute.com allows him to reach thousands of people around the world as they subscribe to his weekly self-help and life improvement adventure newsletters.