Complaining vs. Thanking
Feb/102
I like winter and I like snow. But I'm officially done with it. Enough is enough. And I'm not alone.
Facebook and Twitter have been nothing but a smorgasbord of complaints about the weather here in Cincinnati. And it's not surprising. We are only 8 inches away from this being the snowiest month on record in this city. And it's looking like we could get there before the end of the month. So the complaints are flying faster than the snow.
But as I spent an hour and a half shoveling my driveway yesterday, God gave me a little perspective. And even though the snow hasn't melted away, my complaining has. See if you resonate with some of this.
- I could complain about shoveling my driveway, or I could be thankful that I have a driveway to shovel.
- I could complain about the high cost of heating my home, or I could be thankful that I have a home to heat.
- I could complain that my car got stuck in the snow, or I could be thankful that I have a car in the first place.
- I could complain that my back hurts from all this shoveling, or I could be thankful that I'm healthy enough to shovel.
- I could complain about how the snow has disrupted my schedule, or I could use the downtime to appreciate the absolute beauty of God's creation.
- I could complain about the wind chill, or I could be thankful for the warm clothes that I have.
I could go on, but you get the point. I was really convicted yesterday about my attitude. I have so much to be thankful for, how dare I complain about a little snow? Or even a lot of snow?
Do everything without complaining or arguing… (Philippians 2:14)
…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
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12:10 am on February 18th, 2010
Mike, I totally am with you on this one brother. I have been so negative lately. My first semester back to college has been riddled with absences due to snow. which leaves me feeling frustrated. and fearful about my grades, ect. but I so need to just GET OVER IT. I know I have NOTHING to complain about in comparison to a lot of people in this world. What makes me any more worthy to have a warm house, clothing, food galore, and cars to drive than someone in a third world country suffering through poverty. Maybe I should be wondering why they are worthy to be poor and I am not. For they are to take pride in their high position and I in my lowly one. Ya know, what little I have seen of the world the poor are in need but they are rich in love and in relationship. And we are so distracted by our "STUFF" that we barely have time for meaningful conversation unless it is on facebook. I need to shut my complaining mouth and start loving others and being thankful for what I do have, and try not to let it distract me from REAL LIFE. He is the vine and we are the branches. Let us abide, even in the snow.
4:48 am on March 1st, 2010
Way to put us in perspective Mike! I have been complaining a lot lately as well, and I have also decided that enough is enough! I need to be thankful instead of so negative!