The Whiner's Award

     It appears to me as a society, we have decided there's a completion to win, The Whiner's Award. Lest I point fingers, I have found myself in the running for this award on many occasions. We tell everyone what's wrong in our lives, how sick we are, how overworked we are, how horrible the food was at restaurants, and such, but rarely make nearly as much commotion over how often we are healthy, how glad we are to have a job, and how delicious most of our meals have been.
     Even as Christians, we generally lack an "attitude of gratitude." Yet the apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, pens the following in Philippians 4:4-9, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

     As I go through this next week, I pray to remember that in all circumstances my blessings come from the Lord, and my constant complaining shows great disrespect and disregard to my loving God. So I need to remember to be calm, keep quiet, and rest in the One for whom I am really running this race of life, then my real reward will be waiting for me in heaven.