That Thing You're Complaining About

This morning, as I stumbled back to the coffee maker for another cup, silently grumbling to myself about the early hour, the turn the weather was taking back to wintry, windy cold and the mess I was having to sidestep to get there - a bird began to sing outside.  Loudly.  With exuberance.  That bird didn't care what time it was or what the temperature happened to be at that time.  The bird was just happy the sun was just starting to peek over the mountains and there were a few seeds left in my needs-to-be-refilled bird feeder.

photo - publicedomainpictures.net

As I listened to him heralding his happiness for all to hear, I felt a tugging at my heart. A quiet whispering reminding me that all the things we take for granted in a day... are the things someone else is hoping and praying for.  Where I find cause to complain... someone else would be giving thanks.

Have to get up early?  Someone, somewhere is praying for just one more day.

The weather too cold?  In six months you'll likely be complaining about how hot it is. 

 A messy house to clean up... again? Someone is waking up in a homeless shelter. Under a bridge.  In an alley. Moving from one refugee camp to another to escape the terror taking place around them. Picking up what they can find in the rubble that used to be a house destroyed by a storm or fire.

Kids driving you crazy?  Somewhere a couple is heading to another infertility treatment.  Or waiting for an adoption to take place.  Somewhere a mother has nothing left of her child but photos and memories.

Stuck in traffic?  Somewhere there's a man walking most of 20 miles to and from work every day.  (and yes, I know this guy ended up getting a car... after 10 years of this commute - but I am sure there are others out there just like him)

photo - publicdomainpictures.net

 Not looking forward to making a list and going grocery shopping?  Meanwhile there are children starving all over the world... right in your own town.

A huge pile of laundry?  Someone is wearing the same shirt and pants day after day after day because that's all they have.

Hate your job? Your co-workers? Your boss?  Someone is still looking for a job.  Any job.  After months or years of unemployment.

Today my challenge to you (and myself) is this -  When you catch yourself complaining or thinking negative thoughts as you go about your day, STOP and consider how this thing you are finding so tedious, annoying, irritating,or tiring might be a blessing for someone else.  I guarantee it will change your attitude in a hurry.

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