| Philippians 2:14- “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” |
Blessing or Burden?
This week is the week of Thanksgiving.
We talk much about gratitude but seldom think about how do we really feel grateful.
The song says “count your blessings,” but surely gratitude is more than a list.
So this week, I wanted to think a little about how we can best be grateful…truly grateful.
I tend to love pithy sayings, those that are like a marble that rattles around a tin can. When I have to think about it more, the greater is my appreciation.
So one of those I heard from the blogger and podcaster Gretchen Rubin. She says, “don’t treat your blessings like a burden.”
That seems so simple. Just appreciate what you have. The trouble is it is not simple.
Parents get exasperated with children.
A three-year-old that is non-stop energy and it is easy to complain about that. But don’t treat your blessing like a burden.
We go to jobs and for many, they complain about their jobs. Yet, so many would love to have your job. Don’t treat a blessing like a burden.
Houses need maintenance.
Pipes leak, oven need servicing and the air is not as cool as I want.
But someone who lives in a hut in equatorial Africa has none of those. They have no pipes that leak because they have to draw water from a river. They have no oven except a fire they must collect wood for and start. Their air is always the sticky humidity that noses the century mark each day. A cool breeze is a welcome relief.
Don’t treat a blessing like a burden.
In Israel there was a refrain that Israelites were taught to recite.
The people returned to Jerusalem after 70 years. Many remembered the temple Solomon built. And the efforts that raised a new one just didn’t seem to fit. Comparisons always breed discouragement.
But Ezra knew what to say. They sang a song.
“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” (Ezra 3:11, ESV)
In life, it is not always easy or pleasant. But think of the blessings of the Lord and don’t treat them like a burden. The Lord is good.
-Robert G. Taylor-
robertgtaylor.com
