I’ve Never!

“Oh, don’t the days seem lank and long
When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,
And isn’t your life extremely flat
With nothing whatever to grumble at!” W. S. Gilbert in Princess Ida

I’ve noticed recently that I grumble and complain a lot. It’s fun, easy and I’m very, very good at it. But I’m pretty sure it isn’t what God wants for me – or from me. So I began to count the bad things that haven’t happened. To me. So far.

*I’ve never been hit by, or totaled, a car.
*I’ve never been in a tornado, hurricane or earthquake. (Although I’ve often said, “I’d like to see a tornado before I die, but not right before I die!”)
*I’ve never been held up at gunpoint (though a dear friend was).
*I’ve never been in a fire (but other friends have).
*I’ve never worried about where my next meal was coming from (although, again, I’ve have friends who’ve come frighteningly close).
*I’ve never been evacuated from my home (but I know people who have).
*I’ve never won the lottery. (Probably because I don’t play, but still …)

This list is certainly not exhaustive. And there is no reason to think that I’m somehow exempt from any of this. These things happen to people every day. These, and much worse.

I’m sobered by the realization of just how blessed and protected I’ve been.

And now the questions arises: “Why not me?” Unfortunately, that is as worthless a question as “Why me?” Neither has an answer, not one we can understand, anyway.

It has been said that if all the problems in the world were put in a pile, we would chose our own over someone else’s. And we would be aghast at the problems other people face.

So here’s me, choosing exhaustion and dizziness, scrambled thoughts and words. My own problems. I know them. I’m comfortable with them.

And here’s me, thanking God for all He hasn’t sent me.

Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”
(attributed to Helen Keller, who, though blind, could feel her face toward the sun)

Good quote. Good advice. But perhaps it should read, “Keep your face to the Son…” That’s what I should do the next time I start feeling sorry for myself.

(And if I don’t, there’s always “Grumblers Anonymous.” Hi, I’m Pam …)