My Grumbling-Turned-Thankful Heart
by M. Sue Moore
This morning I had plans to write an article about being a light in this world. It is now nearly noon, and that interrupted article is still bare bones. At first, I was in a grumbling mood about it. Now that the morning is gone, however, I find myself in a different place. Please let me explain.
My husband was applying for long-term health care insurance. This is an issue I'd prefer to avoid. However, he needed my help. My mind took on its well-practiced grumbling phase as I left what I wanted to do and went to help with that dreaded document. I have learned that when I get an attitude of grumbling, it should be a warning to my inner self. Grumbling is not God's desire for my life. He wants me to be thankful... in ALL things.
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASV)If I had stopped to think before I let the inner grumbling get a hold, what would I have been thankful for as this morning's duties dragged me from my planned activities?
First, I would have been thankful that God loves me and has provided His Word for my learning and training in righteousness.
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASV)Next, I would have been thankful for my husband's loving and considerate care of me. His attitude was that this job needed to be done. So, he did what he could, then sought my help. By being my husband's helper, I had the opportunity to be what God created me to be and to be a blessing to my husband. In adition, my husband's love seemed to make him more aware of my helpful presence than my attitude of grumpiness.
It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him. (Genesis 2:18 NASV)An additional reason for developing a thankful spirit, in place of my grumbling one, includes my knowing that this is what God would have me do. God wants me to notice his blessings in my life and be thankful. Giving thanks creates a happier heart within me, and a more cheerful countenance with which I greet others. Suddenly, I realized that I can be that light in this world by sharing a thankful heart, instead of going around with a grumbling attitude. Maybe I can write the "light in the world article" next time! Or maybe, I've just written it.
Posted: 10/31/2002
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200210/20021031_thankful1.htmlCopyright (c) 2002, M. Sue Moore <nainiem@att.net>, used by permission.
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