A Fortunate Life

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A Fortunate Life

By A.B. Facey

I got the recommendation to read this book from this blog, and, as I was looking for a new book to read, decided to give this one a go. It was published in Australia in 1981, so I had to purchase a used copy on Amazon. Lucky for me, the book I picked must have sat on a shelf for the past 30 years because it looks nearly brand new! Although it kind of makes me sad that it sat on the shelf without being read, because it is a great book.

This is the autobiography of A.B. Facey, a man born in the late 1800's in Western Australia. This is his life story, and my goodness he had an interesting life! He grew up in poverty and worked extremely hard just to be able to survive. He didn't really have a "normal" childhood as you and I would define it, but was forced to grow up extremely quickly, going out to work at the age of nine. I am amazed that after all of the hardships he faced throughout his life, in the end, he could still say "I have lived a very good life, it has been very rich and full. I have been very fortunate and I am thrilled by it when I look back."

I love books that make you think - but not too hard - I don't like to think too hard :) As I've been reading this over the last couple of weeks I've been reflecting on my own life.  Compared to Mr. Facey, my life has been a breeze! I am concluding that my life has also been pretty fortunate thus far. I had a great childhood and I feel that I am continually being blessed with goodness in my life. Good husband, good friends, good family, good job, good health, and the list goes on. Things aren't always easy, this life wasn't meant to be easy; we're supposed to experience challenges, and I think it's through experiencing hardship and trials that we learn to really be grateful for the good things that we do have. As I've been reading and reflecting I've felt so much gratitude towards my Heavenly Father for the many blessings He has given me throughout my life. I am so blessed.

Give this book a try. You won't be disappointed. It is so uplifting and inspiring, I know you'll love it!