I read this story recently and it really made me think.  Actually it made me weep also.  Consider that your warning as you read:

Paul David Tripp, writing in The Journal of Biblical Counseling, recalled a scene he had witnessed more than once on his various travels to India.  But this time, for some reason known only to the Holy Spirit, the Lord struck him with the gravity of it all at a deeper level than he’d ever experienced before.

Passing through New Delhi, in one of the most horrible slums in the world, he stood transfixed before a three-year-old boy leaning against the cot of his ailing, perhaps dying, mother.  The boy’s eyes were hollow, his stomach distended, his face fly-infested—the very picture of massive, helpless, noxious poverty. 

The tears that streamed down Paul’s cheeks in observing this tragedy were indeed the heartfelt evidence of his compassion.  He longed to sweep the boy and his mother into his arms, away from these dreaded depths of sorrow and endless need.

But it was more than mere compassion he felt.  It was an awareness that neither he nor this little boy had chosen their circumstances in life.  The blessing of being raised among plenty, nurtured by godly parents, educated in good quality schools, and given over to Christ at a young age began to roll over him in waves, even as he did his best to comfort and console the needy pair before him.

“You cannot explain the difference between that little boy and me by anything other than the Lord,” he wrote.  “Standing there in that slum, I felt all the complaints I had ever spoken as if they were a weight on my shoulders.  I was filled with deeper gratitude than I think I have ever felt in my life.” (emphasis mine).

Not long after he arrived back home, Paul was visiting with a church leader from India who had come to the States to study.  In the midst of their conversation, he asked the man what he thought of Americans, to which his guest responded—in polite, Asian style—“Do you want me to be honest?”

“Yes, I do,” Paul answered.

But who could really be ready for this:  “You have no idea how much you have,” the man said, “and yet you always complain.”

Wow!  When I read this I was so convicted because I complain a lot! 

“It’s raining so I can’t walk outside and my hair is going to frizz”, not “Thank you Lord for the rain you provide which replenishes the earth causing plants to grow, water to drink and restores beauty in season.” 

Or “I’m starving” when in actuality I just ate an hour ago [I have never known true hunger so I should be thankful!]. 

I think you get the picture.  I could go on and on.  I don’t share this story because I want you to feel guilty.  I share this story so that you will have deeper gratitude to the One who provides everything! 

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, a day Americans set aside to be thankful, take some time to thank God for all that He has provided.  Actually, I encourage you to do this every day!  It really can change your outlook.

Have a great day and a blessed Thanksgiving,

Melanie