Last week, I was that mom. You know that mom, right? The one in disheveled clothes with unkempt hair, leading a pack of crusty-faced kids through Wal-mart in a big huff. Yep. I'm ashamed to say that I was that mom. Grocery shopping was the last thing I wanted to do and everyone was going to know it. We'd had a horrible day (which was launched from my poor attitude) and I was not fit to be out in public. But my family had to eat and therefore I had to shop. We were a sight, I'm sure.
Thank God for new mercies.
It's easy to take that road. The huffy, what's-in-it-for-me, chip on your shoulder path that so many people trudge down each day. I've taken that path many a times. It's free and clear of hindrances at the start of the path. It's just you and your whining, happily strolling together. Telling of every little bad thing any one has ever done to you, whispering of the hurts and bitterness you harbor deep inside. When you come upon a branch in your path, it's easy to just start complaining about that too! It's a nasty free fall and a path that can be quite ensnaring. All of the sudden, you are surrounded by your own webs and tangles of complaint and bitterness with no way out. But there is always a way out, if you want it.
Thankfulness is the key to breaking away the tangles and webs that ensnare our bitter hearts. Every thing looks dreary? Every thing looks hard? But did your children wake up this morning? Be thankful to God for that. Did the walls of your house keep the rain and snow off you while you slept? Be thankful for that. Are you flat broke, waiting for God to provide when it seems impossible? Be thankful that He will, even if it seems too late.
Life is much more enjoyable when you work at finding the good things - no matter how few there are - rather than pointing out every bad thing.
Thank God for new mercies.
It's easy to take that road. The huffy, what's-in-it-for-me, chip on your shoulder path that so many people trudge down each day. I've taken that path many a times. It's free and clear of hindrances at the start of the path. It's just you and your whining, happily strolling together. Telling of every little bad thing any one has ever done to you, whispering of the hurts and bitterness you harbor deep inside. When you come upon a branch in your path, it's easy to just start complaining about that too! It's a nasty free fall and a path that can be quite ensnaring. All of the sudden, you are surrounded by your own webs and tangles of complaint and bitterness with no way out. But there is always a way out, if you want it.
Thankfulness is the key to breaking away the tangles and webs that ensnare our bitter hearts. Every thing looks dreary? Every thing looks hard? But did your children wake up this morning? Be thankful to God for that. Did the walls of your house keep the rain and snow off you while you slept? Be thankful for that. Are you flat broke, waiting for God to provide when it seems impossible? Be thankful that He will, even if it seems too late.
Life is much more enjoyable when you work at finding the good things - no matter how few there are - rather than pointing out every bad thing.
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
This is an excellent post!
ReplyDeleteVery well said! You bring tears to my eyes as it is so true.... we whine, never seeing the blessings of SO MUCH. So here is to making lots of joyful noise to the LORD!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I needed it. The last week has been filled with "that mom" moments for me. I appreciate friends who(even from thousands of miles away) remind me of all that He has done!
ReplyDeleteYes, Thankfulness and Repentance are awesome and work hand in hand! :)
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