We have one of those neighbors who is always outside. Last weekend we were trying to enjoy what would probably be the last opportunity to enjoy our deck only to have to listen to the whirr of his leaf blower all day! I’m obviously not opposed to leaf blowers but this particular neighbor blows leaves IN the woods. Call me crazy but that is where leaves belong! As I was grumbling I was reminded by someone to be thankful that he wasn’t burning them. Noise is one thing but smoke getting in your eyes, nose and upholstery is quite another. It could have been much worse. Plus, I should be thankful that our neighbor cares about how his property looks giving us something nice to admire.
With Thanksgiving coming up this week we will probably all pause at some point to be thankful for our blessings. We don’t do that often enough. Grumbling comes so much more naturally!
The Bible tells us often to be thankful in all things. This is hard to do, especially when we are in a trial. But think about how this approach would ultimately benefit us, how it would change our attitude, if we could find things for which to be thankful in our situation. By focusing on the positive we can go through our day with more joy in our hearts than if we choose to complain. Notice I said “choose.” Many times the situations we are in cannot be changed. If there is something you could do to make your situation better, odds are you would do it. But if we find we can’t change our situation, then we may need to change our outlook or our attitude.
You may want to use caution here, especially when talking to someone else having a difficult time. Have you ever been told “Well at least you aren’t starving like people in a third world country” or “At least you have your health?” I know I’ve said those sorts of things but at the time this “wisdom” does not help. Yes, there are people in much worse situations than me but my hurt is real. Instead, it may be more helpful to pray with that person or just listen. Together you can let God know you are confused and seek Him to figure out what He wants you to do in the situation.
So, back to attitude. In essence I guess I’m saying “Look at the bright side.” If you look hard enough you can find something. Here are a few examples:
· Having a loving, supportive family and/or close friends
· Opportunities for spiritual growth/character building (Romans 5:3-5)
· A keener awareness of God’s presence
I will close with the following verses:
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17 ESV emphasis added
Have a great day and a blessed Thanksgiving!