There are days when it seems like complain about every little thing. I act as if I am not extremely blessed. I know that I am, but I get caught up in comparing what I have to what others have and I feel inadequate. I know I shouldn’t, but honestly, we all are guilty of that in some fashion. It seems like there is always a competition to see who can get the biggest and the baddest things. I don’t live in a fancy house. In fact, I live in a double wide mobile home. Not exactly what some would consider quality living. But you know what, it’s mine and it is a roof over my head. And of this moment, I will not be let myself feel bad or less than when I tell people where I live.
I don’t drive a tricked out vehicle. I don’t wear name brand clothes or shoes and I am not blinged out with jewelry. Don’t get me wrong. I like nice things, and I try not to let them define me or my quality of life, but there are days when I get caught up. However, as of today, I am going to try my best not to gripe and complain and compare my success to others because I live a truly blessed life. Even though I don’t have as much as others, I am more fortunate than many others and I’m sure those who have less than I do would love to have the things I have.
I was moved as I watched a video about a homeless man seeking change and the little change he did get, he turned around and used it to bless someone else. I find myself turning my nose up at homeless people who are on the corner with signs, saying if I can get out and work so can they, even if it is just flipping burgers somewhere. I’m quick to judge when I do not even know their circumstance. Even if they are just out to con me (and honestly how can we tell the difference) I will be blessed for helping them because I did it from the goodness of my heart and it is what God would have me to do. If they are up to no good, that is something they will have to take up with God. I just need to do my part to be a blessing because I have been so extremely blessed. But for the grace of God that could be me on the street corner with a sign.
Lord forgive me for not recognizing everything as they blessings they are. I am often ungrateful when I have no reason to be. Help me to have a more loving and helpful heart and spirit and open my eyes fully to the needs of others so that I may be able to help others when they need it.
If you find yourself in this same place, why not join me in my journey to complain less and bless more?
I don’t know why I do it and why I can’t stop myself, but I am always trying to live to please others. Most of the time, they don’t appreciate it anyway. In fact, they find something to complain about anyway. It seems like nothing I do is ever good enough. I can always do something better. It’s exhausting…mentally, physically and spiritually. I’ve always been an outsider, never quite fitting in. I was never part of the “in” crowd. Never have been and after 40 years, don’t think I ever will be. But sadly, that doesn’t stop me from trying even when I know what the outcome is going to be. And you know, I find myself even doing this at church, the one place where I should be accepted for who I am, no matter what. But even there, I feel like I always need to fit in to be accepted…I have to be a certain way, like certain things, do things a certain way…I’m sure you catch my drift. And maybe that is why I find myself straying away. Not only from church, but from everything and everyone. It’s my defense mechanism, what I use to try to keep myself from being hurt. I don’t know that it helps because I still feel hurt.
It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Are you at a breaking point in your life? So often in our lives, we find ourselves enduring constant turmoil. It seems as though the light “at the end of the tunnel” is impossible to see. You are tired of holding on. Family and friends try to encourage you, but you are no longer receptive to their kind words. You are just tired and frustrated. Does this sound like you? You are sick-and-tired of being sick-and-tired. Just when you get one side nailed down, the other side pops up.
When was the last time you really sat down and thought about the goodness of Jesus? When was the last time you took the time to think on His faithfulness toward you? Just think of all the things you have done wrong in your life. Think of the times He stepped in just before you broke down. Think of the times He rescued you just before satan released his deadly blow. Think of the times He covered you from the attacks that were coming against you. Think of the times He forgave you, although you were guilty. I get concerned when I hear Christians griping and moaning as if God has not been good to us. Yes I know times are hard. I know how it feels to wonder if God is listening or still cares. Do you realize your complaining does not force God to respond any faster?
Sometimes my actions may not show it, but I really do love the Lord. He has done so many wonderful things in my life. He has brought me through so many trials and tribulations….I just get teary eyed thinking about it. I’m just a lowly sinner, but yet He continues to bestow His grace and mercy on me. How could I not love Him?
Although it pains me to do so, I have to admit that sometimes my faith is not what it ought to be. Don’t get me wrong. I wholly believe in God and His promises and know that “all things work together for the good of those who love Christ Jesus and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But there are days when my faith gets shaken down to the core . There are days when I act like I’m doing this on my own. And horror of horrors, LOL, there are days when I feel like God has forgotten about me, which in turn leads me to try to handle things on my own instead of turning them over to God and letting Him handle it in His time and in His way, and having the faith that He will take care of it.
I’m not who I’m supposed to be, but thank God, I’m not who I used to be. I look back over my life and think about the things I did, the things I allowed and I cringe and feel sick. My life was a mess, but God saw fit to keep me around and bring me through those times. I’ll be honest…I don’t understand why He did it, but I am grateful that He did. I don’t always live my life now like I appreciate Him saving me, but I really do.
“One day at a time”. When we are going through trials and tribulations, we hear that phrase all the time. “Honey, just take it one day at a time. That’s all we can do.” It’s good advice and people mean well when they tell you that. But sometimes, even one day at a time is too much. Sometimes, we have to take it an hour at a time, a minute at a time, and yes, even a second at a time. That may be all that we can bear at the moment. 
We sing a song at church titled Love Lifted Me. Part of the chorus says, “when nothing else would help, love lifted me”. These words are so true. When nothing else can help, the love of Jesus will lift you up. When you feel like no one else loves you, no matter what you do, Jesus loves you and His love will lift you up.
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