Several weeks ago, a water main outside our
neighborhood burst in the middle of the night. The next morning our household awoke to make coffee, but
none could be made. We went to
take a shower, but cleanliness could not be attained. We tried to wet our toothbrushes, but there was not a drop
available. At least for the
moment, all the conveniences of running water had ceased to exist in our
home. Our neighbors poured out of
their houses hollering across dimly lit streets, “Do you have any water?” The negative response echoed from home
to home, “No.” Without warning we
were experiencing our own hydropocolypse.
I have seldom (if ever) thought about the
blessing of having running water piped at desired temperatures into my home,
but on that morning I did. It was
a blessing I never thought to count before it was momentarily taken away. Then the next thought came… How many
other blessings am I neglecting to count?
A blessing that has not been counted is a
blessing taken for granted. I am
sure there are hundreds if not thousands of them in my own life. From little things that make life
easier to big things we would have a hard time functioning without, there are
many conveniences we possess which others could have only dreamed of.
It is no small wonder that an atmosphere of
complaint has been cultivated our lives.
When we cease to count the multitude of blessings around us, we are left
to complain about what we do not have. Perhaps you grew up in a home where your
complaints were met with common refrain, “Count your blessings.” Of all the parental clichés in
existence, that one was correct.
Take a moment today or tomorrow to reflect
upon all the things you have to be thankful for. When you are tempted to complain, consider the endless list
of things for which you should be grateful. When we have an attitude of gratitude we cut out the
complainer in all of us.
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