Nighttime Devotions-Nov 13, 2017

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Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 I am usually a very optimistic person. I always cling to hope and try to look on the bright side. As a matter of fact, I don't handle pessimism and complaining too well. However, a few months ago, I found myself becoming the very thing I dislike. I found myself constantly complaining. 1. One family member has been lying non-stop. 2. Another family member was trying to talk my 15 yr old daughter into moving across the country with his family. 3. My parents, years ago, listed on their hippa forms that I have no input in their medical care. This is because I wanted to have my mother (who was heavily addicted to prescription drugs) put into rehab and then monitored to find out her exact health issues and get real help. Now that they are disabled, I see red-flags with their care, but can not do anything to get them better care. 4. Our bank debit cards were compromised twice. 5. Our internet company made a mistake and took out of our account 3 times in four days. They would not reimburse, just credited us for 3 months. We needed the money put back in for other bills. 6. The holier-than-thou attitudes at church was overwhelming. 7. Two people I was baby-sitting for quit paying me, but wanted me to keep babysitting. 8. Medical specialist can not find out what is wrong with my back, but the medical bills were mounting. This is just a few things going on. This, on top of other things I refuse to let go of began to control me. I had become the queen of grumbling. I became angry with God. I was sad all the time. Thankfully, though, through our Bible study on the book of Job, God got my attention. He revealed to me that I was living in fear and frustration instead of being rooted in faith. I had to give up and admit that I could not fix all the wrongs in my life. God revealed all I had to be thankful for. 1. We have a home with 5 acres of land. 2. I have four beautiful, healthy grand kids. 3. I have four kids and 3 kid-in-laws who love the Lord. 4. I live in America with the freedom to worship and work as I feel led. 5. I have a loving, loyal husband. 6. My parents are still alive. 7. I have a couple of faithful friends. 8. Most of all, I have a God to whom I can take my burdens and cares. I was reminded of the Veggie Tale song in the Madam Blueberry episode: "Because a thankful heart is a happy heart I'm glad for what I have, That's an easy way to start! For the love that He shares, 'Cause He listens to my prayers, That's why I say thanks every day!" So what do you say "thank you" for? I want to live with an attitude of gratitude.