Yall, I’ve been complaining all week. I know you’ve been there. Too much to do, too little time. I thought about just throwing my hands up and calling it a day. It’s just not in my nature to do so.
Our kids turned 2 and 4 this week! We had a sweet little party for them, surrounded by our families. We wanted to do something to celebrate them, not just because now we officially have no babies in the house, but for the roles they play in the lives of our combined families. These little goobers have been the glue for all of us during many trying times. They deserve all of the tutus, tow trucks, and treats man can muster!
So, in the midst of my muddling, I was reminded of a skit we used to do when I was part of our youth group. I forget the exact details, but the gist of the skit takes a complaint and turns it into a praise. How apt for this occasion.
So, here’s my version adapted to 2020.
1. I’m tired.
>>At least that means I’m busy and not sitting idly.
2. My house is a mess.
>>I have a growing family living here.
3. I’m tired of responding to emails.
>>I’m thankful I have a job where I serve in a leadership position and can help others each day.
4. My grocery bill is too high.
>>I’m happy to have lots of mouths to feed at my table
5. Amazon took too long to deliver.
>>I have money to spend buying birthday presents
6. I forgot to put coffee grounds in the maker.
>>At least I didn’t burn the cinnamon rolls
7. I had to go back into Grey’s room three more times to sing “You Are My Sunshine.”
>>I have a son who loves me.
8. I had to watch more hunting videos on YouTube instead of watching makeup tutorials.
>>I’m happy to be spending time with my husband
9. I still can’t go into my kids’ daycare.
>>They have a safe place to go during the day
10. I can’t forget.
>>It reminds me of God’s mercy and grace.
What have you been complaining about? What are you posting about? Are they things you can turn into praises?
Here’s a few more that maybe you can relate to:
1. The Bible is too big and hard to read.
>>I am thankful for God’s living word and his spirit that allows me to understand it.
2. I didn’t like the songs we sang at church today.
>>I am thankful to have a church to go to or watch online.
3. Coronavirus is stealing my joy.
>>I have the opportunity to be intentional with my time and actions.
4. I’m walking through another trial and feel like God is nowhere to be found.
>>God always meets us where we are and walks with us in the valley.
5. My family is driving me nuts.
>>I have a family to do life with.
6. My bills are piling up.
>>I’ve got food, shelter, and the medical care I need.
7. I had to mop the floor again.
>>There are people in my house again.
8. My kids hate virtual learning.
>>We are afforded free education.
9. I don’t feel like I’m where I need to be.
>>I haven’t quit, for I know the path laid before me.
10. Things keep breaking.
>>I have the means and the capability to fix them.
Let’s rethink things this week and find it a privilege to praise Him. Let’s take time to find Jesus in our journeys and see how God is good. If you can’t find the good in your goings-on, I pray God puts someone on your path who can illuminate the way before you.
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you, always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
Salty but Sweet 