Nothing is so inconsistent with the life of any Christian as overindulgence. (The Rule of Benedict)
We need to realize that poverty is not just a problem, it is our problem. (Chris Seay, A Place at the Table)
The other day my son received a gift from a guest. After saying “thank you” he added, “did you bring me anything else?”
I was embarrassed at his lack of gratefulness and quickly admonished him quietly.
As I recently thought over this exchange and my frustration that my children often complain about what they have – it’s not the right color, it’s not the right brand, it’s not the right toy…. I was convicted how my heart is the same.
610,042 people are homeless in America.
One sixth of Americans – millions of them working families – don’t know where their next meal will come from. 47 million people rely on food stamps.
50 million people in America live below the poverty line.
Yet here I sit in a warm house, with a nice car, nice clothes, and plenty of food. I hear myself complain – my MASTER bathroom isn’t my preferred color, I have to lift the trunk on my car by hand, my computer is slowing down and my phone camera is fuzzy. Aw, poor me. Poor selfish little ol’ me.
I saw myself this morning as the child who has been given blessing upon blessing yet I ungratefully ask God, “Did you bring me anything else?”
This morning I am resolved to give more prayers of Thanksgiving to the One who truly has blessed me to the point of my cup overflowing. This is one way to combat being Mrs. Ungrateful Pants. The other way is to look around. To open our eyes to the fact that there are many who don’t have enough. Not just a lot, but enough, and then do something about it.
Today I’m thankful that I don’t worry where my family’s next meal will come from, that I have a warm roof over my head while the snow pours down outside. That all my kids own fluffy coats, scarves, and mittens (even if they don’t match!). That I’m doing laundry in the room right off my kitchen and not lugging it to a laundrymat.
What are you thankful for? You can join me in the comments.
Comments (6)
My daughter had her cancerous thyroid removed when she was 18 weeks pregnant. I am thankful she is now 34 weeks pregnant and cancer-free! Thanksgiving blessings!
I am thankful for a warm house , a car that takes me to work, a working n loving husband , family n friends n my two healthy children !
Thankful for an abundance of amazing relationships, with my Father, my husband, my children and an embarrassment of riches in friends, old and new. Could a girl ever be more blessed?
thankful that I still have my 87 year old mom to take care of, and that my children and grandchildren are all healthy and that I know God will take care of every need that any of us have
I am thankful that when I have a “pity party” or complain about things too much…that the Holy Spirit who lives within me, convicts me of that sin, and prompts me to confess it, repent, and to ask forgiveness. THEN He is always faithful to forgive me and to cleanse me. (I John 1:9)
Leighann, thanks for sharing this today…because I think sometimes we are all like spoiled children who are never content and always want more! 🙂 We need to be gently scolded and disciplined just like you did with your son…because you love him! And God does the same for us because He loves us too.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, the four Hobbits and the Giant! Love, Linda
I am so very thankful for the health insurance we have (hubby retired after 24 years in the Navy) the back surgery next week and all the testing is taken care of. The Laser Spine Institute serves you breakfast and lunch for free (yippy).
Thankful for our church family who will be taking care of the girls for a few days, and most greatfull to some friends who paid for a 3 day hotel stay in Tampa while I have my back fixed!!