During Thanksgiving this year, my habit of complaining was exposed for what it is—ugly. Believe me, I didn’t like what I saw when I started looking at this issue in myself. This skill has been way too so easy for me to master, and I think it’s time to deal with it. Here are some of the ridiculous things I’ve grumbled about, some of them recently:
1) A driver pulls out in front of me and then drives—how dare he—five miles per hour below the speed limit.
2) A day turns cloudy and windy when I planned to take a walk.
3) A new recipe fails for—how embarrassing—Thanksgiving dinner.
4) For the 5th time in a day, the radio station plays that song I’m sick of. I know it talks about God, but I just don’t like it.
When I see my “whines” in print, I feel silly. Really? Are any them that important in the scheme of eternity? And believe me, the above list isn’t conclusive. How dare I complain about such trivial stuff when I have so much to be thankful for!
Please understand that I’m not minimizing the difficult issues of life or the incredible burdens that some people carry on a day-to-day basis. No one makes this journey without experiencing times of darkness and confusion. Sometimes bad things happen, to us or to our loved ones. It can be a challenge in the midst of difficulties to find anything to be grateful for. We may have to hunt and long and hard for them, but I’m convinced they are there.
The Apostle Paul was familiar with hardships, including imprisonment and beatings. He wrote: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18, NIV) That verse used to cause me pain. How could God expect us to always be thankful? Then, I realized that it says in all circumstances—not for. God knows when you are going through a rough stretch. He will help you get to the other side of whatever situation you find yourself in.
So, if you are going through a stormy time right now, try looking for things to be thankful for in your life. Ask God to show you what those things are and make a list. You may be surprised with what you come up with, and how you can still be at peace in the middle of some tough days.
Remember that God loves you and wants the very best for you.
Be encouraged, Tammy
“. . . let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1b-3, NAS)
©2012 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved
