Like the fact that my bank account was rather depleted during the Christmas season and I was planning on using any extra money for the next couple months to build it back up. But then Derek told me that the car is due for new tires (both snow tires and regular tires) and it will probably come out to about 800 dollars to get new ones.
Like the fact that we're starting our young married Bible study group (the brain child of a friend and me) tomorrow, but we just found out the Starbucks we were going to meet at closes early. Not a big deal, but we'll have to do a speed discussion so we can get out of there in time.
Also, I ordered the books for the Bible study two weeks ago, but we only got one of them in the mail just this weekend, even though we ordered two, so Derek and I have to share until the next one comes. The problem is that neither of us have that much time to do the first lesson before our first meeting, and we don't work anywhere near each other, so I have to try to hurry and do the Bible study tonight so I can give Derek the book tomorrow.
Derek has an early hockey game tonight though, and I'm going to it because he doesn't have many of those early games, so I'll probably have only a half hour or something to work on it.
There's no way both of us are going to get our Bible study done in time.
And of course the early hockey games still only start at 8:20 PM, so it's going to be a rather late night. Especially considering that I spent Saturday night with my mom's side of the family and he had a friend over, and neither of us got to bed until after midnight, and we both have to wake up at 4:30 AM (Derek) and 5:00 AM (me) tomorrow.
And the house will probably be a mess all week, because it's kind of messy now, I have a full week of work and will only have Wednesday to get anything done, and the house will only get worse with me and Derek working so much.
It's kind of hard to eat in between patients at work, and this week is a full week, so I'm hoping I don't lose any weight. I still haven't got to my goal weight. Gracious, you think it would be a little easier to gain six pounds.
Honestly though, tonight as I thought back on all my current annoyances, I realized it's not bad at all. Our life right now is really very smooth. My bad attitude is probably partly due to sleep deprivation, but that is no excuse.
These irritations are just like little lines in the pavement that give your car a little rumble as you pass over them. Derek and I could be on a washboard dirt road right now. We have been in the past - like those months that we were unemployed last year. It's so easy to forget how easy and blessed life really is right now, and how hard it could be. I'm ashamed of myself for allowing these little things to get to me.
All my complaints and grumpiness today were really about blessings, which makes them even more pathetic. Maybe we have to spend extra money on tires, but at least we have extra money. Maybe we won't be ready for our Bible study tomorrow night, but at least we have good Christian friends and a free country that allow us to do this Bible study. Maybe we'll be really tired tomorrow, but it's just because of all the fun stuff that we get to do, like hockey and time with friends and family. Maybe the house will be messy, but at least there's a house to live in. And I'd rather be worried about gaining weight than losing it.
How often do we complain about things that are really amazing blessings for us? I wonder how often the Lord hears our grumblings and frowns upon them because we're picking apart a gift that He has given us. The thought grieves my heart.
The Lord has given us a beautiful house, cute dogs, good jobs, food to eat, clothes to wear, a wonderful country to live in, and each other to lean on. There is nothing to complain about. In fact, even in the hardest times there are always blessings to be found. How terrible that we always search out the problems when the blessings are much more obvious. I think the Lord must be hurt and even righteously angered by our self-inflicted and willful blindness.
Lord, forgive me for my grumbling. I get so frustrated at the Israelites in the Bible for grumbling when You had provided everything they need, but I so often do the same thing. You would be right and just to be angry with me for my grumbling, but You are so gracious to me even in my sin and You forgive me when I fail. Thank You for all the incredible ways that You provide for us and bless us - I am awed by Your grace, and there is no way I could ask for anything more.
,
I know what it feels like! I have been a little grumpy lately too, but if it cheers you up there is a little something for you on my blog!
Aw, I know what you mean. Sometime it is so easy to get wrapped up in the little things.
you too, huh?
I've also wondered at the Israelites for complaining so much. But compared to me they actually had something complain about.
At the same time, the amazing things the Lord did for them in their hardships-- the red sea parting, manna, etc-- was not enough to keep them content.
So I'm reminded (convicted, really.) that its not my circumstances that determine my contentedness. Its whether or not I rest and delight in the Lord. If I don't, not even a miracle will make me happy.
"for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."
I love the way this post turned around. I had a bit of an attitude (about some things happening at my house) when I started, and you have given me a LOT to chew on!
Thank you for your authenticity.
What a great attitude :)
Know what you mean! I have to stop myself when I start complaining and remind myself of all the millions of blessings that God has given us!
We all have our bad days Callie and the good thing is that you vented and realised how lucky you are at the same time. We cant always be smiles. I hope the Bible study works out time wise and you both get something rewarding out of it :) xx
Wow, your post kind of helped me today because I haven't had much sleep this weekend-husband is sick-so i've been complaining a little too about things that are not that important---yes, complaining is sometimes easier than being thankfull which is sad. Now I am a little better-thanks to your post.
Very nice Callie!! I had my own grumblings in my baby blog today. So I am right on track with you. Thanks for the reminder...and for the prayer at the end. :)
What a great post, and something that I struggle with too. yesterday our pastor actually did a sermon on complaining and how it can not only make us miss blessings, but it also prohibits us from receiving some. It really hit me hard, and I'm trying not to complain, because I know I can be a big complainer at times!
It's always so convicting to remember the Israelites in the desert when I'm complaining! Thanks for sharing, Callie!
Beautiful post, friend, and something I'm sure we're all guilty of at times. My husband & I often grumble about our jobs...and then have to remind each other to be thankful that we have them.
Sounds like a rough couple of days! Sometimes it's just so easy to let it wash over and overcome us... I hope your days start getting a little better! Lately it's just been easy for me to get overwhelmed and down because of all the busyness....
Maybe it would make you feel better to win the my giveaway! I have a pioneer woman cookbook, cute apron, custom spice jars and Le Creuset!
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