A few weeks ago, I shared that we had the opportunity to travel to india earlier this summer. It was definitely an adventure for our family.
Our first few nights in India, I had a hard time falling asleep. I remember laying in bed one night, listening to the hum of the AC unit, trying like mad to drift off. In my frustration, I began to pray. I thanked God for our safe travels, our health during the journey, family to stay with, food to eat, for AC in my room, and even for the means and opportunity to take this trip.
Grateful.
A few days later, we were in a new location, in a different kind of hot, and with different surroundings. I woke up one morning, with a headache, after not having slept well. I started grumbling. I wished I were at home, in my bed, with my bathroom, and as I drank my coffee (that I didn’t even have to make), I even wished for my coffee at home. I was mad that I was hot. I was mad that I couldn’t just crawl back into bed like I normally do when my head is pounding. I was annoyed by all the activity, voices, and the hustle and bustle of a houseful of family. For several minutes, I was angry at the world.
Hateful.
I went from grateful to hateful in a matter of 48 hours. Yes, that’s how weak I am.
I knew that I needed a change in perspective. I needed to return to that grateful heart that I possessed just a few days earlier or it was going to be a long trip.
Does this ever happen to you?
My job frustrates me, and I have to remember the time when this job was an answered prayer. My spouse frustrates me, and I remind myself that I prayed long and hard for this marriage. My kids annoy me and I am convicted that this is the life that I prayed for. I have to switch my perspective back from hateful to grateful.
Colossians 4 (NIV) gives us haters some wise instruction: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (vs 2) “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ” (vs 6)
Turn it around. Find something to be thankful for, and keep your mouth shut until you do. (At least, that’s what God told me in that instance!)
~Shiney
