Gratitude is one of those things that have real power behind it, but most people don’t comprehend it. We all have things that frustrate us. Many complaints are completely justified. We are able to quote to a listener of our gripes chapter and verse as evidence that our “moaning” is absolutely justified. We are not whiners. We have proof that we’re right about this.
And we hear others do the same thing, which further cements our conviction that it’s not just us, but others see similar miscarriages of justice. And, hence, we go forward with the license to ignore any argument.
I, like anyone, have dissatisfactions that I grumble about. Untapped oil reserves while we desperately need oil is one of them; and burning corn in the form of ethanol while poor South Americans can’t afford tortillas is another, although related.
Furthermore, fast-talking politicians attack people trying to reform an institution like Medicare or Social Security. Although quickly going broke, suggested reforms are compared to shooting Grandma and kicking crippled children. Unspoken is the foolish concept that it is somehow kinder to let it go completely bankrupt as opposed to cuts to make it sustainable. These and a myriad of other things can drive me crazy if I let them. As Andy Andrews wrote, “What you focus on increases.”
And then, something happens… And it’s like a cosmic force suddenly changes the lens that we see the world through. Furthermore, it is stamped with a seal of authenticity that we inherently know we can’t object to or argue with.
Let me offer an example. As my daughter and son-in-law were traveling from Los Angeles back to their home in Texas, they were involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer. To be sure, their Toyota sedan was no match for the semi, and any gambler worth his salt would have bet on their instant demise. But, Thank the Lord, he would have lost. They both survived with only seat belt abrasions and fire ant bites from being examined in the grassy median.
There is no need to get graphic and describe what might have happened. It’s obvious.
What may not be obvious is the subtle working of Jesus Christ in the lives of His people. He takes care of things that we don’t even know is an issue yet. He orchestrates events and people in a moment that we couldn’t do in months. There was an off duty paramedic that assisted our kids till the ambulance came. A Pastor stopped when he saw the accident and prayed with them, as well as gathered their valuables thrown out of their trunk. A couple they never met before drove them to their car and then home two hours away. It was a miracle sandwich, one stacked upon another, all served up exactly when needed.
Such was my perspective-adjusting event. In one moment, life’s priorities become astonishingly clear. My kids are sore, but breathing. The car is totaled, but they will still visit at Thanksgiving. This mindset can apply to everything.
Even now, Washington D.C. is full of liars and demagogues. But beautiful, loyal loved ones that make my life worth living surround me. The sun rises and shines bright every morning. America continues to put her resources off limits when we need them, but I have a hot shower and fresh brewed coffee in the morning.
I am not a victim, I am thankful for more excellent gifts that I can put a number to. Instead of being frustrated about whatever issue, I rejoice that I was spared pain that I can barely imagine. God is good. Gratitude is almost as good. It is liberating in a world that can chain you up with concerns.
“Troubles melt like lemon drops…”
