Half Empty or Half Full?

 

Sometimes I wonder if I complain too much. It seems that I’m not very good at being content. There are days that I love what I’m doing and feel blessed that God is letting me do it, but even little things get in the way of me being truly joyful. It’s kind of like having a small pebble in your shoe. Sure you can walk, but there’s a nagging until you get it out. I don’t want to be like that.

As I look on what God is doing I am humbled. I am in my dream job. I seriously don’t think there is anything better than serving the church and loving on teenagers. I have an amazing family, a beautiful wife and an amazing son. I have a dad and siblings who love me too. I own a home and a pretty reliable vehicle. I am paid well enough to have all my needs and some wants to boot. I have friends from all over the world. My accountability partner lives in a place that is seventeen hours ahead of us and we still get to communicate every week over Skype! I have salvation, which gives me the promise that I will never really die. So really, what is there to complain about?

I know there will be days that the glass seems half empty and not half full. Still, I have decided to do my best to be positive. I want to be the type of person that is dedicated to living out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24:

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

Excuse me now if you will. I think I have a glass to fill up—at least half-way.