COMPLAINING IN A PIE FACTORY

Have you ever heard the saying, “You would complain in a pie factory?” Nothing is ever right, you always want something more or different. Does this sound like you or maybe someone you know?

I have been trying to do the thankful alphabet this week. I highlight a different letter each day and then thank the Lord for things that start with that letter. Today’s letter is “N.” This small little exercise has been a real eye-opener for me. There are thousands of people and things that I am thankful for but that I forget to tell the Lord how thankful I really am. When Joe and I were in church last Sunday my preacher, Mike Rife, added another twist to this exercise. He said that each night before we go to bed that we should thank the Lord for at least 5 things that have happened that day.

With Thanksgiving now being in the rearview mirror, I hope that we will continue to be thankful for all that the Lord has given us. Unfortunately, complaining is so easy for us to do. Instead of focusing on the big picture of what is going good, we can focus only on what is not working. Mike highlighted this on Sunday when he read from Number 11. The people were starting to complain to Moses about not having meat, or fish. They were sick of having Manna and wanted more. They grumbled until the Lord became annoyed. Do we do this? The Lord was providing Manna for them but all they wanted to do was complain. The ending to that story is not pretty. The Lord gave them meat. He gave them so much meat that they were soon sick of meat. Then He struck them down!

Wow! I think the Lord might take it pretty personally when we complain about what He has given us. I have tried to pay attention this week and see if Joe and I were complaining about things. I found myself complaining once that the carrot cake I was eating was crumbling as I transferred it onto my plate. Really? The cake was delicious and I was lucky enough to have cake but I felt the need to complain. Joe also complained this week about food. His complaint was because he ate some deviled eggs that didn’t have sweet pickles in them. He likes sweet pickles in his eggs so he felt the need to grumble.

Take the time today to list 5 things that you are thankful for. I have plenty to eat today. Emersyn spent the night with me and is going to church with us this morning. I had a good nights sleep and I feel wonderful today. I am blessed and thankful that I have a wonderful preacher who challenges me. I am thankful for the two little critters sleeping at my feet. These are just a few things that I am thankful for before 9:00 am. Just think how long the list could grow by the end of the day.

Have A Blessed Day!