Forgetting to be Grateful

A large piece of living on this rock we call earth, is we all have in common our shared struggle. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have some challenges, problems, or stressors. They vary for all of us, but when we are honest, there is usually something that we wished were different and/or better. Money, children, marital status, life purpose, carrier opportunities, political leanings, etc are common to everyone. I have made it a major part of my preaching to share my issues publically, and I have found that people resonate with a minister who is honest in this way. Although life can be tough we should never lack gratitude for the things we do have.

There is a thin line between wanting things to be better and complaining about what we wished was better. The funny thing is, we can be so quick to hear other people cross that line, but be deaf to when we breach that border. It is because we can often see the blessings in the lives of others and be blind to them in our lives. I am guilty of that as well, but we need to be careful or we could become ungrateful, bitter, and jealous. We can be so comfortable with the blessings we have presently, that we as a result whine about our lack when we should be rejoicing in our abundance.

When I came to Atlanta for college I saw a young lady that, in my estimation was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. A few weeks later I saw her again, and she seemed like just another girl. What changed? She hadn’t, my perspective had. I had never before seen so many pretty women in my life, and this girl was one of the first. Over time she became a simple brushstroke on a very large tapestry of feminine beauty. I had become familiar with seeing attractive women and what once stood out was now quite common.

This is what happens in our lives, God blesses us, and we rejoice. Then He does it again, and we say wow. But about the 100th time, we start to feel like we deserve it. Somehow, that first thing that caused us to rejoice, losses its luster, and we neglect to give God the same response. This is both wrong and disrespectful to a God who loves us and gives to us in spite of ourselves.

To combat this wave of ungratefulness, I think we must embrace a simpler mindset. I used to attend a traditional church filled with senior citizens. Every Sunday, they had a time of testimonials. Every person would start with the same thing; “I thank God for my life, health, and strength.” In this simple statement, we can capture the secret to overcoming ungratefulness. We need to thank God for what we have, and for the simple gifts He gives.

So, instead of complaining that we don’t have the money we need, lets thank God for enough to make it through this day. Instead of griping about the spouse you don’t have, thank God for the friends and family who love and support you. Instead of complaining about the house you wish you had, thank God for a roof over your head. Thank God for your strength, if you don’t have much strength, thank God for your health, if your health is failing, then thank God for your life! If God has blessed you with LIFE, then thank Him for it, because life alone is a gift. “Thank God because he's good, because his love never quits.” Psalm 118:1 Never forget that there is always someone who would love to have the blessings you may have forgotten about. Be blessed.