Monthly Archives: October 2017

Many years ago I read a sign that said “Lord, let me be thankful for dishes to wash because it means I had food to eat.” That little saying impacted me greatly and I have thought about it quite a bit over the years and have decided that sometimes it is so easy to complain while missing the big picture.  I have good food to eat and clean water to drink, while I know that many in the world are unable to say that. Even though I had a ton of laundry to do with 8 kids, it means we had clothes to wear and washing machines to do the laundry in.  Once when I was helping to make quilts for a humanitarian project we were given very specific instructions on making them with 1/2 inch batting, no thicker.  They explained that the quilts are often washed in streams or tubs of water and need to be able to dry quickly.  People still wash clothes and bedding in streams or tubs!  It’s hard to imagine that since I can throw a load of laundry in my machine in just a few minutes and come back later to clean clothes. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how good I have it.  Even in the midst of a terrible migraine I try to remember that I am somewhere safe in a comfortable bed, with a freezer that makes ice for me to use and a shower with plenty of hot water.  It doesn’t change my situation but it changes me and my attitude. Remembering that helps me to relax and to focus on the good in my life even in the midst of pain. Another sign I once saw said “There is always, always something to be grateful for.” I believe this!  A family friend told me a few years ago that on her mission for our church to Nicaragua that she had a bucket of cold water to bathe from most of the time.  I’m sure she would have loved a hot shower daily-something that I take for granted, like having a good car to drive or living in a beautiful area with good neighbors, and family who loves each other.  I want to be better at complaining a lot less and expressing gratitude more frequently.  “Lord, let me be thankful for dishes and bathrooms to clean, and laundry to do, and noisy family gatherings because it means I have so much.”