This past weekend we had the opportunity to go and see different places relating to the culture of the area. We went many places, and saw many different things, and ate even more different things. One of the places that we stopped was at a wood carver’s house/ workshop. It not only happened to be a stop on our itinerary, but it also happened to be one of my students’ houses.
They were, of course, thrilled to see me visiting their home unexpectedly. I was equally surprised to see them. I had no idea that we would be visiting their home! It was a sobering reminder to me to see the difference between how they live and how we live. I knew that they probably didn’t have as much stuff as we did, but I didn’t realize how little they did have.
It gave me a new perspective on why I complain because I don’t have something that I want. I complain because I am being ungrateful for what God has given me. I have stopped looking at what I do have, and am only looking at what I think that I need or want. And on top of that, I’m going to fuss about it until I get exactly what I want. Ok, maybe I don’t go that far, but sometimes I sure do feel like doing that!
However, that not the solution that God would have me to reach! That is my own natural solution. Meaning, it’s a very wrong and bad solution! The right solution is for me just to simply be very grateful for what God has already given to me or done for me. As long as I keep looking at those items, I can never be the complainer that God didn’t intend for me to be.
Till next time!
Gracia Engle
