The Golden Coin of Life

From Supreme Services (#35) by Rabbi Avigdor Miller 

When Dovid Hamelech considered what Hashem did for him, he felt so humbled he was at a loss for words. He said, “mah ashiv l’Hashem kol tagmuali alei — What can I pay back for all that he bestowed upon me?” When we embark on this course of study to see what we have, it may be hard for us to feel gratitude for merely having life, being alive.

​Let’s compare ourselves to those who don’t have. Do you know the majority of the world is not alive? The majority are either waiting for the chance to come in or have already had their chance. We’re a very tiny minority of mankind. 

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​How many people didn’t get up this morning?

Of course most people are busy throwing away these golden coins of life. They never stop to appreciate this great gift. You get up tomorrow morning, and as soon as you open up your eyes, say:

“Modeh ani lefanecha — I give thanks before You”
“Melech — oh King”
“chai v’kayum — living and enduring, He’s unchanging”
“shehechezarta bi nishmasi — that You returned to me my soul,”
“b’chemla — with pity.”

How many people didn’t get up this morning? When a man studies the Shaar Habechina properly, not only is he bursting with happiness all his days, not only is he singing and rejoicing all his life because he appreciates what he possesses, but he is always busy trying to express gratitude to Hashem.