It's the small things in life that tend to pull us down.
Big things are hard, and they hit hard; but small things accumulate, and then you feel yourself dragging through your days . . .
The kids are crabby and constantly bickering with each other.
The new washing machine has a puddle of soapy water under it (and it hasn't lived in your house for a month yet).
Someone makes a harsh comment or judges you unfairly.
Your MRI says your rotator cuff isn't torn, but your arm hurts like a toothache, and your neck hurts from only sleeping on your right side.
Your car needs service because there's a light showing on the dash.
There is never any down time because it feels like it always piles up and you never get to sort it all out...
That is when the enemy strikes. He wants to drown you with discouragement and fill you with grumbling and complaining.
How do you fight it?
When life feels like a hamster wheel and the days melt into
each other, and you feel like you are never doing enough to keep things in
order or to enjoy those you love—what is it that keeps you going?
Thanksgiving.
(It's so important, we have a holiday named after it.)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:6-7 NASB, emphasis mine).God thinks it is important, too. He doesn't want us to be worried about our lives, so He tells us to bring everything to Him—framing it all in thanksgiving—and then He will guard our hearts and minds with peace that will amaze us.
Sounds good to me.
Practice makes perfect, so here I go:
1. I am thankful for my husband
2. I am thankful for my healthy, beautiful children
3. I am thankful for my husband's job that allows me the freedom to stay home with my kids and home educate them.
4. I am thankful that our house is paid for now, so we are out of debt!
5. I am thankful for autumn, and all the beautiful trees and wonderfully mild weather we've been having.
What about you? Are you going through a tough time? Do you struggle with a grumbling attitude? What are you thankful for?
Linking with others for Wisdom Wednesday at Simply Helping Him. and
Yes! I'm grubling! Motherhood's got me irritated over my life lately. I love my children, but sometimes i wish i had the freedom of wives with no children yet!
ReplyDeleteJanice, I hear you! It is hard being a mom and always having a good attitude. And it is easy to get jealous of others who have more "free" time. That is why being thankful is so important. It really does help our perspective to be in the right place.
DeleteThanks for visiting!
Hi Selena! Oh yes, I have been grumbling lately. My husband has been out of work for over a year, and sometimes his constant presence makes me CRAZY. I ask God 'why are you doing this?' Of course, he just smiles and tells me how I can thank him for all the blessings I have.
ReplyDeleteSo this post hits me right between the eyes. God is the same today and tomorrow...and the same message to me and to you. Thanks will make me lighter and better, and more patient. Just like you :)
Blessings!
Ceil
Ceil, it is good to know that I am not alone! It is so hard to focus on the right things sometimes. Especially when life feels overwhelmed with so many demands on our time. Thankfulness helps reign in our bad attitude. Glad you are joining me!
DeleteI am thankful for my husband, for our soon-to-be-in-our-arms son, for a church that allows us to serve in ministry, and for friends like you who remind me to make lists like these.
ReplyDeleteAmanda!
DeleteIt is wonderful to hear from you!
Congratulations, girl! I'm SOooo happy for both of you. Praying for a healthy and safe delivery and for the three of you to be knitted together in Him as a family. I am sure you will post pictures, and I look forward to "meeting" your son!
Love,
Selena