We desperately needed the rain. But now that it has rained, I am complaining about the mud. When it was August, I wanted cold weather. But now that it’s cold, I am complaining about moving hay bales on a tractor without a cab. And while I have been unable to get anything done on the ranch before going to work because it’s too dark, as soon as Daylight Saving Time changes this Sunday, I will be complaining that it gets dark too early in the afternoon to get anything done after work.
I’m one of those people that can always find something to complain about. It’s a gift. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Just like I can always find something to complain about, if I change my perspective, I can always find something to be thankful for. That’s because every moment of every day is an opportunity to orient one of two ways. I can either see the negative or the positive. It’s completely up to me.
For those who follow Jesus Christ, while there will be times when life is not fun, we know where we are going.
In Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth, he talks about some of the hardships he has endured. These would be enough to make anyone a cynic, but he says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Today, more than likely, you will face some “light and momentary troubles.” Don’t let them overwhelm you. Simply keep in mind the big picture and continue moving forward. In the end, you are going to heaven.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, when life gets dark and frustrating, help me see the big picture. Remind me who I am and whose I am. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
While I can’t find it in the Bible, I am sure that God only has tractors with cabs in heaven.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 