College exams or having to go to class when so many people can't afford to go to college or have the time to go because they're working so hard because they can't afford to go.
Their children and the time it takes doing things to raise them when so many people want a child so bad they would do almost anything to be a parent.
Their spouse working late (I am very guilty of this one sometimes) when they should be thankful they have a job and they get to come home still at the end of their shift while military spouses don't get to sleep beside their loved one for months at a time.
It really bothers me sometimes the things I complain about,
Lines being too long at the coffee place.
Wow, I have extra money to be able to buy coffee, when others barely have enough to eat. I am blessed.
Laundry, dishes, and cleaning.
That means I have a home, food and more than enough clothing to cover me. I am blessed.
Working more hours than I was scheduled for .
I have a job, I have the opportunity to make extra money to use for things we need. Yes, I may be tired but I am young, healthy and strong. I am blessed.
This morning I was very upset about something and I felt God lay this on my heart, I felt like He was saying to me " turn your complaining into rejoicing." I feel like sometimes, I have a tendency to start naming all the bad things going on in my life instead of realizing the blessings that can accompany them. A "silver lining". When I was a girl Pollyanna was one of my favorite books and for those of you who don't know here is a brief synopsis Pollyanna and the Glad game.
Here is a quote from the book and article that really stood out to me:
"What men and women need is encouragement. Their natural resisting powers should be strengthened, not weakened.... Instead of always harping on a man's faults, tell him of his virtues. Try to pull him out of his rut of bad habits. Hold up to him his better self, his REAL self that can dare and do and win out!... The influence of a beautiful, helpful, hopeful character is contagious, and may revolutionize a whole town.... People radiate what is in their minds and in their hearts. If a man feels kindly and obliging, his neighbors will feel that way, too, before long. But if he scolds and scowls and criticizes—his neighbors will return scowl for scowl, and add interest!... When you look for the bad, expecting it, you will get it. When you know you will find the good—you will get that..."
This holds true not only in the testimony of your own life to others but I believe also to yourself. I find that when I really stop grumbling long enough to look around myself and see good things or find things to raise praises for I am much happier and my "sorrows" are forgotten even but temporarily. Its human sinful nature to complain and be miserable. But we serve a great and powerful God who has redeemed us and offers us grace that is renewed everyday. When I am very very upset, I go on a prayer walk, I just stop what I am doing if I can and just walk while praying until I feel at peace again, I look around at the beautiful seasons of life around me and just offer up praises and thanksgiving and offer up to the Lord my problems. Even if they aren't solved immediately or in the way I want, I know they are being heard.
I am not perfect, we all are sinners who have fallen short but I do want the testimony of my life to reflect the joy I have been given, I don't want my light to be dim unto others because I was too busy moaning over the mountain of laundry and the way others treat me, I want them to see the joy and peace I have because of Christ.
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