hey

May 27, 2009
23:47pm
Tokyo Japan

During this season of layoffs, economic crisis, and dire financial situation, its very easy to say to oneself “ugh. Tough luck. I hate this life”

Indeed, one word comes to mind. COMPLAIN.

And another. WHINE.  (would you like some cheese with that sir?)
Why did he get promoted? Why not me?
Why do I have to work on weekend..again?

Why do I have to deal with this person? Ugh…I have better things to do!
Why do I smile, to people that don’t care if I live or die? (sorry… Morrisey reference)

During last Sunday’s sermon at Tokyo Baptist Church, our pastor told us that as Christians, we should not be complainers. A Christian who complains and whines and is negative, is a CONTRADICTION.

Why is this? Well, as a Christian, we should be the one who should have the MOST to be thankful for. And what is that? Our salvation in Jesus Christ that is what.

Thus, if we constantly think about that and remind ourselves, then that makes ANY bad situation, be not as bad.

Lost your job?  No big deal. You have the best “retirement package” ever. That is a place in heaven if you are a true believer.

No money? Same thing. Your Father in heaven owns the whole universe.

If we really think about it, no need to worry at all! Life is not THAT hard!

As one book said “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”.

Hmmm, which reminds me. We should always be counting our blessings, and continue to be thankful at all times to our God, who is our great provider.
Here is a sample of what I am thankful for:

1. I am grateful that I still have a job. Its really crazy busy and the demands are very challenging and tough. But I have learned to pray more, and to stop complaining, and just go do it. After all, God is the true BOSS that I am serving.

2. I am grateful that I have a wonderful wife and adorable daughter. Both are in great health, and continue to provide me with daily inspiration. My daughter recently finished a ballet recital. When I saw her perform, I was speechless. There are simply no words that can describe the joy that I felt in my heart, seeing my daughter dance and follow instructions from her teacher. Amazing!

3. I am thankful for my family and friends at church in Japan. There is no such thing as a “lone ranger” Christian. My sisters and my small group provide accountability and are a constant reminder that although we have a spiritual battle ongoing, we are not alone.

4. I am thankful for my health. Although I still need discipline in my diet and more excercise, I am in decent enough shape to enjoy physical activites such as running, lifting weights and playing basketball. I barely get sick, and when I do get sick, I recover quite quickly.

In fact there is so much more to be thankful for. I can probably go all night. But I am tired, have an early start tomorrow, thus I need to go to bed. Which reminds me…Dear God, thank you that I have a place to sleep!

How about you?

What does your thank you note look like?

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