frustrated or grateful — pick one

I’ve been thinking about blessings today.  Blessings come in all different sizes.   I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to be blessed.

It is a great feeling to experience an unexpected blessing.

As I look around me today, I am reminded of all sorts of blessings that have come my way – both big and small.  I often tell people that  my house is decorated with the love of others.

I have very few things that I have personally bought.  Instead, most things have a story behind them.   I like it that way.  I don’t have to look far to be reminded that I am blessed by wonderful family and friends.

I know people who are ungrateful.  They come in all ages.  This is not a “for women only” disease — men catch it too.   No one is immune to falling victim to this group.    The problem, as I see it, is that when you are a victim of this group you have no idea that you have joined their ranks.    Oh, others can tell, your talk changes.  Your outlook changes.  Ungrateful people are not happy people.  Also, it seems once someone has joined this group, they become intent on recruiting  others.

So where am I going with this blog?

Just as, sometimes, the littlest thing can be the last straw — let your gratitude for little things help you deal with situations that are out of your control.

I really hate to be in an angry stupor.  It is so time-consuming and emotionally draining.  It really has no  lasting value.  It’s not like the last time I got really frustrated is going to be the last time I get really frustrated.

Oooo that was really good.  I better repeat that.

It’s not like the last time I got really frustrated is going to be the last time I get really frustrated.

Life happens.  Pain is inevitable.  What I do with pain is up to me.

That said – then – I needed to  come up with a plan.

Usually when I am struggling with my flesh (you know those times when I have been wronged and my flesh cries out to be vindicated)  you may find me commenting on how grateful I am to have running water.  That’s right, running water.

What does that have to do with the situation?

Absolutely nothing.

However, it is part of my game plan.  What I have learned is that by refocusing my attention onto something else, something I am truly grateful for, it defused my frustration.

Running water leads me to all sorts of things that are generally taken for granted.   i.e.  –functional automobiles, electricity, a/c, stove (talked with a friend today that has recently had her stove taken out by lightning — Thanks  God for my stove), a closet full of clothes (even though I’ve been known to say “I have nothing to wear”),  a fridge full of food,  the list goes on — but I start out with running water because it makes me smile.

I have found that I cannot stay angry (frustrated) and be grateful at the same time.

I’d rather be grateful.

til next time