Lately I've been counting my blessings. A lot.
I've been looking for something "bad" happening in my life and I've found that my life is PRETTY DARN AMAZING.
And then I've started wondering why. Why did God give me so many blessings (of which I lost count, by the way)? Why do I get to have so much?
And this year especially God has been opening my eyes to so much going on in the world - so much sadness, hurt, starvation, and loss.
And recently I've just been really thinking about how much we complain and how petty our complaints are. Sometimes I stop and think about all of the splendor we live in. Think about it, really. We go to the grocery store and there are isles and isles of food and there's not just one kind of potato chips to choose from - there's twenty.
There are places in this world - not just in poor countries, but here in our town, in our state, in our country - where people don't have anything to eat. There are places where people have to walk hours just to get water - and there's no guarantee that it is clean. We just walk over to the faucet and don't think twice about it.
Now, believe me, I am not trying to depress you or make you feel guilty. There is a point I am trying to get to.
The point is this. We all complain and we all try to justify our complaints. But the thing that's been bothering me so much lately is that we take so much of our time complaining, we never even take a moment to rejoice! To rejoice in all of the blessings we DO have!
"Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction.
Break the habit.
Talk about your joys."
Rita Schiano
Even when we have legitimate reasons to be complaining, didn't Jesus say to us,
"If you suffer for me, you will also reign with me."
Once again, it is not my intention to depress you and guilt you. I am simply saying we should be rejoicing for our LORD is on our side and He has blessed us immensely.
Take a moment (or two or three) this week to really ponder the blessings God has poured out on your life. When you find yourself complaining (I know I do!) take a step back and think about the greater problems out there and the beautiful gifts you already possess.
Have a splendid week!
My inspiration: THANKSGIVING
...Love, Anna...
What a wonderful challenge you present to all of us! It's so right that we need to take a step back and "ponder the blessings God has poured out on our lives" rather than just complain all the time. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you are so wise beyond your years! You are an inspiration! And you are beautiful! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! And it is a hard challenge...I don't pretend to be good at not complaining! I know I do it a lot - we all do! Love you too!
DeleteI just love this, Anna. You have wisdom beyond your years. I have friends who haven't learned this lesson yet, and, believe me, they are not fun people to be around. I'd much rather hang with positive people than complainers any day!
ReplyDeleteI know people who are constantly complaining too and the last thing I want is to be like that! So I think it is a good challenge to undertake - and a way of honoring God and thanking Him for His blessings!
DeleteSuch a GREAT reminder, sweet girl! We have nothing to complain about, do we? Love you!
ReplyDeleteWe sure don't:). Love you too!
DeleteOh my word Anna! I feel like every time I read your blog, it relates to a conversation I had with someone recently or a struggle I've been dealing with.. Anyways, I just had a conversation with someone about how I know I'm not nearly thankful enough for all that I have. Thanks for the reminder again:) I love ya girl! Keep writing!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny! And so cool! I'm so glad to see God working through this blog! :) And I am not nearly thankful enough either!! Thanks for your honesty and encouragement! :)
Delete