One of the most common illnesses that our current generation suffers from is discontentment. Its symptoms are manifested by constant whining, endless complaining, and a critical spirit. Discontentment causes us to feel sorry for ourselves because we believe we don’t have what we want. This attitude can even affect us as Christians if we are not vigilant or neglect our spiritual lives.
But there is an effective remedy for this ailment. The Bible states simply: “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). The treatment begins by making a conscious effort to stop complaining and instead search for the hidden blessing in every situation. This changes the direction of our gaze and leads to the realization that we have been been given so much and need to share our blessings with others. This is an essential step towards healing. We should be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
Let’s look at how this attitude plays out in the everyday life of a wife and mother. When we are tempted to complain about the monotony of housework, why don’t we pause for a moment and thank God for the home we are privileged to care for and for the health and strength to do our work? Sometimes an illness has helped a woman to see her work with new eyes.
In the difficult post-war years, our mother was often discouraged by our simple home and the sparse furnishings, as well as the responsibility for three children. But my father had a special ability to change her mood. He would put us all in the car and drive us through the poorest neighborhoods of the city, where the houses were dilapidated and neglected. We returned home each time with the feeling that our home was a palace, and we were grateful for what we had. Then we began to think about how we could help those who had less than we did.
Gratitude often leads us to share what we have with a friend in need. This act of sharing not only eases the friend’s burden but also fills our own hearts with joy and praise. Our work then becomes not a burden but a source of joy and love.
When we are overcome with negative, angry thoughts about our children, when everything becomes too much and tempts us to grumble, we should pause for a moment and thank God that we have a family. Of course, there are challenges and upsets. But we should be thankful that God is a faithful partner and helper in guiding our Christian family.
How quickly we can get caught up in the many tasks we have to do for our children and become so self-centred that we sometimes forget to really see them, look them in the eye and genuinely understand them!
Every meal can become a special moment. We remember that Jesus once revealed Himself to the disciples during the breaking of bread. Recently, we also felt His presence in a special way during a meal. The table was set as usual, the meal was nothing out of the ordinary, but as I sat down and gave thanks for the food, I felt that this meal was especially blessed. I looked at the faces of my loved ones and was struck with the thought of how fortunate we are.
It was a precious moment that I will remember for a long time! We were all together, we were doing well, and God was in our midst. There was no need to long for the past or dream of the future. We rejoiced in the present. We joined hands around the table and thanked God once again.
May God help us to experience joy in this way more often and to consciously enjoy the beauties of everyday life! God’s gifts are so numerous if only we open our eyes to see them.
When we feel challenged, irritated, or angry over small things, we should push this bad mood aside. My husband often helped me through such times. He said, “If the big things in life are okay, then let’s get the little things right, too. If we know that we love God and each other and have important tasks, then we should put the secondary things in perspective and accept them as they are. We must not look at every little thing as if it were the end of the world.” Someone once said, “Why spend ten dollars on a disturbance when it’s only worth two cents?”
There will never be a time when all problems are solved, all debts paid, and all tasks completed. But we can live in this time in such a way that we thank God for His grace, which is sufficient every day. It is a good exercise for our mental and spiritual health to cultivate gratitude and optimism. This attitude will translate into greater devotion to God, our family, the church, and the world.
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