This is what I’m reading now.
As sad as it is, I seriously need the reminder. To be grateful. For the big things, definitely… my relationship with Him, my marriage, my children.
But to be grateful also for all the little things that He’s blessed me with, those that usually go completely unnoticed. The safety of our home. A full refrigerator. Electricity and a warm shower. Clean sheets.
And I’m becoming aware of the grumbling, whining attitude that creeps into my heart during the day, especially when I don’t take notice of all that I do have.
When the sheets I just changed the day before need changing. Again.
When five small slippery children need bathing, rinsing, lotioning, drying and dressing.
When the stairs need vacuuming (because I really, really dislike vacuuming the stairs).
When the doorbell is ringing and the dogs are barking and the kids are screaming.
I could go on and on, but I’m guessing you get the picture. There are way too many times during the day that I fail to count my blessings. From the biggest down to the smallest.
If you’re anything like me, when you read the Old Testament you were floored by the Israelites. And how they griped and complained all the time. How they were never satisfied. And how they focused on all they didn’t have instead of the fact that God was in their midst, supplying their every need and leading them to the promised land.
I’m beginning to realize they’re not the only big whiney babies that ever lived.
Ouch.
I love James McDonald…
This would probably be a good read for me too!!!
I'm gonna have to check this book out!!
I'm afraid you could add me to the whiney list, too! If I not happy, well… you know the rest. I need to work on the attitude. The busier we get the easier it is to slip into complaining- we have to lean on him even more as our families grow!
Oh, friend. I am totally with you on all of this. Especially disliking vacuuming the stairs. BUT, you are oh so right about those grumbly Israelites that are so easy to point our finger at and see how wrong they were…but ummmm, yeah, I'm really no different. Worse, in fact.
Thanks for the reminder of how much we have to be grateful for!
Excuse me while I go vacuum my fabulously great, but oh-so-dirty, stairs.
SOmething my cousin once said has always stuck with me.
"If you're going to ask God, 'why me' in the midst of life's turmoil, you had better ask Him 'why me' in the midst of life's blessings."
Kinda makes it harder to whine when you think of it that way.
Oh my friend…this is one familiar road…this sounds like a great read. I have been trying very hard on a daily, no, scratch that, on an HOURLY basis to take a second to look on the bright side & count my blessings. Why is it we (people in general, that is!) are so drawn to self-pity?!?
Now…I am off to say a prayer of THANKSGIVING!!
Hang in there, my friend!! And know that YOU inspire so many of US!!
Oh I love James MacDonald!!! If I am not mistaken, I believe I will get the chance to see him at the end of the month! Yippee!
Oh the power of a pertinent message! We all need this message, our flesh demands it. I think I am off to find a new book to read and re-read and read again 😉 Thanks for the heads up!
Have a blessed day and super blessed rest of the week.
Hugs,
Heather
Ya know… I just hate when you get all spiritual. Accountability…even with someone you don't know…can sting like lemon juice in a paper cut.
Thanks for keeping the main thing the main thing.
Looks like a great read! Thanks for sharing.
and thanks for introducing the VERY skilled Colleen, she did an amazing job on my blog. I entered your contest, but my faith is weak! 🙂
Jill
I needed to hear that!!! Thank you!!!!!!
I just love your blog look and while I don't comment very often I love stopping by.
I love James McDonald too! In fact, our small group is doing the video series for that same book. Very.Convicting!
I am such an Israelite some days….
Aren't they awful? The Israelites? And JUST LIKE US??
😀
I am so with you. I can whine till the cows come home. Thank you for the reminder to count my blessings even in the midst of chaos in my home. : )
Oh, boy, do I need that reminder. I'll have to put this book on my summer reading list…you know, for those leisurely days of sitting by the pool (across the street) and eating bon bons…okay, so it will really be more like reading a sentence or two in between making sure no one drowns and running back and forth to marching band, but, hey…there's a half a dozen reasons right there to be thankful and grateful and NOT whiney! Thanks for the recommendation!
p.s. I really don't even like bon bons…but I do love chips and salsa!
YIKES! i bet you can see the cyber slap mark on my face. thanks. no really. i needed that.
Timely post!
Ouch … I feel the sting!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
ummh.
ouch is right…
cuz the title of that book could be my 'tagline' all too often.
It's the very area God has been dealing with as I too have taken self-inventory of many of the same realizations that you have discovered about yourself. It's hard to admit at times. But it's a good thing to take notice of, because only then is real change in Him possible!
I need that book.
Stef – one thing I don't class you as is a 'whiner'! But yeah – I'll share your pain – and hopefully all of us will be honest enough to confess that too! It's the human condition to feel that way….and a part of what we all need to work at – but don't get down on yourself too hard….it's OK to be human (Even Christ lost his temper and perspective a time or too!)
hugs – aus and co.
This one has been sitting in my shopping cart at a certain large online bookseller for too long.
Thanks for the reminder –
oh, and SO with you on the stair thing….
Thanks for helping me out with a little far-too-often-needed attitude adjustment.
Gin