tip of the week: be grateful

"I've got nothing to wear!" How many times have you uttered this phrase as you sorted through a full closet?

"There's nothing in this house to eat!" How many times have you made this claim as you looked through full cupboards?

"Others have it so easy while I have it so hard?" How many times have you said this to yourself as you barely "squeak by" another week?

I know I've been guilty of each of these phrases (though not as often on the first one). What's worse is that we often don't think twice while making these statements. It's so easy for us to take things for granted.

But the reality is that compared to many others, we've got it so good. There are many people in this country and especially around the world who don't have proper or adequate clothing. There are many people in this country and around the world who don't know where their next meal is coming from (if it's coming at all). There are many people in this country and around the world who have it much harder than us. In fact, when they see it, they think we have it easy. Ironic, no?

How about these heart-breaking facts (taken from the book "Radical" by David Platt, a Christian book I highly recommend):

• Over 1 billion people live and die in desperate poverty. (p 108)
• Nearly 2 billion people live on less than $2/day...less than $2!!! (p 108)
• More than 26,000 children will die today due to starvation and preventable diseases (p 108)
• "If you and I have running water, shelter over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat, and some means of transportation (even if it's public transportation), then we are in the top 15 percent of the world's people for wealth." (p 115)

I didn't even realize how self-centered and selfish I had become. I never realized how ungrateful I can be. But any time I have complained about my "lack" of anything has been a disservice to those who are far worse off than I am.

This goes beyond the poor though too. Last week, I was complaining to Polly about how I hadn't seen Genevieve smile yet as I always come home during her fussier times. I wasn't mad at Genevieve (how could I be?) but I felt like I was missing out a little bit. Then it hit me. How could I be so ignorant. There are plenty of people who would give anything to have a baby. There are many others who would give anything to have their baby healthy. I was taking that for granted. I felt so disrespectful toward those people with my mindset. I needed to repent and change that mindset.

You see, I think it can be easy for us to take things for granted. I think it can be easy for us to be ungrateful...and we don't even always know we are. So that's my tip for this week: be grateful. Take time to appreciate the things you do have instead of focusing on what you don't.

This isn't an easy thing to hear. It wasn't for me. But that doesn't make it any less true. Whatever you do today, be grateful! Be grateful to God who gives us all that we have. Be grateful to your parents, spouse, children or any others who are a blessing to your life. Be grateful.