Humbling

Just when you think you have it so bad, there is always a humbling from God to show you that someone has it worse than you. Be thankful for what you do have, even if it's not really what you think you want.

Those are my words for the day. It seems that we are quick to complain and say that we need this or we wish we had that... I'm very guilty of this. I need more money, I need a better job, I want a bigger house, I want a new car... and on and on.

What does God think when he hears this? What would you think if your petulant child constantly complained to you about what he/she wanted and needed and didn't have? I suspect that God rolls His eyes, and thinks..what more could I give this person?

I wake up in the mornings, open my eyes to see. I listen for my child's breathing, and I can hear it. I climb out of the bed, after reaching out to touch my husband, who is there. I can get up and walk to the bathroom. I can stretch up and feel the wonderment of my muscles untangling after a good night's rest in a comfortable bed with good sheets, under a ceiling fan run by electricity that powers my home. I can feel the carpet underneath my toes, attached to the floor of the home that I live in. I can walk out into the hallway without pain or assistance. I can go into the kitchen and make coffee or prepare breakfast because I am fortunate enough to have food to eat. I can think about what I need to do that day because I am equipped with a mind that allows me to think and make decisions with ease. All of these things, taken for granted by many, are given to me. And yet, I have the nerve to want more?

I have been humbled many times in my life. One example sticks out in my mind. My mom and I went to Walmart one day. We were talking about something hurting and other trivialities. On the way into the store, as we were fussing about our "problems", we passed a gentleman with only 1 leg. He was smiling and walking out of the store on a crutch. Immediately, we both shut up. We smiled at the gentleman, who smiled back widely. I said a quiet prayer to thank God for what He had given me and the abilities that I was allowed to enjoy. My eyes filled with tears as I felt ashamed for even complaining about my stupid little problems. I looked at my mom, and her eyes were filled too. She said to me, "At least we don't have it that bad."

Look around. Even when you think you are at your darkest hour, the end of your rope, and that you can't go on any longer, there is ALWAYS someone that has it worse than you do. I'm not asking you to feel sorry for these people. They don't need your sympathy. They need your prayers. And, God needs you to realize how fortunate you are. God needs you to thank HIM for the blessings you receive daily because of HIS work in your life.

I'm not telling you to stop complaining. I am a chronic complainer, even though I know I shouldn't be. It seems I just like to fuss...LOL. However, I am telling you to be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for the little things, and take nothing for granted.

Realize that you have no idea what others are dealing with in their lives. (One thing I will always remember as a first year teacher was a colleague telling me, "You have no idea what these kids go home to every day." She was right. I always tried to keep that in mind--and still do-- when I deal with students.) YOU may be the shining star to someone.. YOU may be the person who makes someone's day by smiling at them... YOU may be the one who makes a difference.

Be mindful of what God is trying to show you and teach you.

Nothing is a coincidence.

Everything is a lesson.