Glad the world didn't end: 7 reasons

The New Testament “Rapture”, signaling the beginning of the end of the world didn’t happen on May 21 after all. Breathing a sigh of relief, Health24 editor Heather Parker called on readers to name the things that make our world unendingly fabulous. Here are 7 reasons why Health24 readers are thrilled the world isn’t ending:

1. PEOPLE: “All the incredible people we get to spend our days with: family, friends, loved ones!  Each day we spend together is a gift and so often we take that for granted.” – Amy.
2. LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA: Kirsten says, “I am absolutely loving winter in Cape Town at the moment!  My early morning runs are chilly but crisp, clear and wind-free. I am so grateful that I am healthy and live in such a beautiful part of the world!” Amy agrees: “The incredible places we all have access to, whether it's the beaches of Cape Town, the wine routes in Stellenbosch, the warm Durban weather, the Kruger National Park with all of its awesomeness…”
3. NATURE: “I love the mountains, which are awe-inspiring and make me realise that I am a tiny part of the big world, especially when I become hot-headed at wordly frustrations. I love lakes and rivers for the same reason.” – Wynoma. Lucia agreed: “I love it because there are birds in my garden every day! And loads of them too – all existing alongside each other, peacefully sharing the bread crumbs, raw nuts and birdseed.” And so does Vanessa: “The miracle of nature as it unfolds around us, seen and unseen: a flower blossoming, a plant growing, kelp forests waving in the ocean currents, a sea horse floating around in the ocean, a dolphin playing in the surf or a whale breaching in the bay, a bird sitting on its nest or feeding its young, the mating dance of the Lyre Bird (or any bird for that matter!) I could go on for hours and write pages about the beauty and miracle of the world that surrounds us... sunsets, moonlight, snow-covered mountain peaks, rainbows.”
4. THE LUCKINESS OF IT ALL: “Sunshine, food to eat, a roof over your head and God in your Life,” says Spookie. Wynoma commented on this too: “I love the fact that I am lucky enough to eat three meals every day. There are millions of people who have never known what even one meal is by “worldly” standards.”
5. BEAUTIFUL SURPRISES: “I held a one-day old baby Sittatunga (antelope!) yesterday morning - so cute and cuddly and gorgeous (and fragile). Any new life, animal or human, is a miracle and something beautiful to behold on this planet of ours.  Who can resist cuddling a puppy, a kitten, a lamb or a duckling?” – Vanessa
6. CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN: “I am a granny of 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters and, as I have much to teach them and Cape Town is such a beautiful city to live in, I cannot leave this world until my job is done. Blessings!” – Ginny.  Chalene is holding out for that, too: “I want to become a grandmother!” she wrote. And Essai sums up it up wonderfully: “I want to grow old with my wonderful husband. I want my children to grow up into successful people. I want to see my husband walk them down the aisle in their white dresses and tuxedos. I want to see my grandchildren. Make no mistake, I want to meet God, but only when He is ready to take me!”
7. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: “I love the world and the people we share it with because, despite all the war and fighting, there are people who practice random acts of kindness like smiling when you walk past them, letting you into traffic and saying ‘no, you first!’ as you enter a building. - PJ

Some other comments we enjoyed were:

Wisani said: "Life is too short and rushed, and mostly we do not realise that beautiful things and moments are always short-lived, [so that we learn to] cherish every moment. I am glad I am alive, so I will try and make the best of every moment and tell those close and dear to me how I feel."

Lettie said: "There is so much hate between black and white that I pray for an outbreak of love and affection between all the races! May we become a worthy rainbow nation, caring for one another, taking hands and walking in unity on the road to peace and reconciliation. We're tired of of the hate, hate speech and other evil things that are dragging us down into the mud of politics! Let's just be human beings and love each other!"

And Vicky has the last word with her list:

1. Family & friends
2. Holidays – I have a long list of places I want to see.
3. Great food
4. Going to movies – there are some talented people out there.
5. South African sunsets – trust me, nothing can beat them!

(Compiled by Heather Parker from reader comments, Health24, May 2011)