Last week, I
got schooled by my husband and, I have to say, it’s the best thing that’s
happened to me in a long time. Because
my husband is working on his health, he’s often fixing his own meals; including
lots of fruits and vegetables and the occasional frozen entrée. That leaves
the rest of us to eat whatever we want. This past weekend, I stopped at the
local grocery store because I was craving a steak; a big, old, tender piece of
meat. When I got home, I couldn’t wait to fire up the George Foreman. As the
scent of the deliciousness filled the air, my salivary glands kicked into high
gear. I couldn’t wait to eat.
When the
steak was grilled to medium-rare perfection, I took a bite ready to savor every
delectable bit. But instead of the lusciousness I was expecting, I got a
mouthful of chew. I was so frustrated. I’d paid good money for this steak; how
dare it be chewy. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, “Wow. This
meat is really tough.” My husband who had just finished his frozen box dinner
looked at me in surprise. “When did you become so picky about your food?”
There went my
complaining out the window. He was right. When had I become this finicky?
Millions of kids all over the world would have gladly traded their hunger pains
for my dinner. And, it got me to thinking, what other things do I complain
about as being sub-par. In this case, it was my dinner, but I’m pretty sure
food isn’t the only thing I grumble about when things aren’t quite up to my
standards.
Like the
stop light that seems to last for hours.
Or the kid
at the drive-thru who gets my order wrong.
Not enough
money in our bank account.
Or the fact
that my car isn’t the fastest or coolest on the block.
The t-shirt
that doesn’t last as long as I think it should.
And, this
one really gets to me, my slow computer.
The list
could go on and on; I’m barely scratching the surface. What, indeed, has made
me so darn picky and so unappreciative?
For me, what it all boils down to is discontent. I have so much, and,
yet, I want so much more. So many gifts are given to me every day that,
sometimes, I forget my manners – simple thanks to the Giver of all good things.
If I sat down and wrote a list of all my daily blessings, there wouldn’t be enough
books in the world to contain them.
The air I
breathe.
The sun’s
majestic rise and fall.
Spring
showers.
The
abundance of food in my pantry and freezer.
May flowers.
Happy and
healthy kids.
A spouse who
supports and encourages me to follow my dreams.
I think you
get the point. So, this week, a challenge. The moment you begin to gripe or
complain about something because it’s not quite what you wanted, remember the
simple things. Simple things that we all take for granted. Simple things that come
from the bounty of all the Lord blesses us with each and every day.
