Shining Light Abroad Ministries

“I am about to give you an attitude adjustment!”
“You are getting too big for your britches!”
“I am going to bring you down a few notches!”

Oh those words… you either heard them from your parents or you have said them as a parent.

I needed these words as a child and I need these words as an adult.

I complain because my dishwasher is broken and we have to wash the dishes by hand.

I complain because I slept on a soft mattress and now my back hurts.

I mumble about how the laundry is never-ending as I use a washing machine and dryer to wash clothes.

“We have nothing to eat.”— While our pantry is overflowing with food.

“I have nothing to wear.”— While my closet is slammed full of clothes and shoes.
(Most of them don’t fit because I have way too much food.)

“I’m bored.”— While our house is filled with way too many things for entertainment.

“I hate having to fill up with gas.”— While I am driving a safe, comfortable car.

This past Saturday, we drove two hours to build houses, I was quickly knocked down a few notches.

I was reminded of the reality for so many people.

There were no gas stations. No restaurants. No paved roads. No running water. No toys. No electronics. No stoves. No refrigerators. No new clothes. No shoes.

But there were people helping each other carry buckets of water to make concrete–without complaining.

People who carried the rocks and sand by the bag up a steep climb–without negative words.

Children who played with a stick in the dirt and laughed.

People who were thrilled that we brought extra ham sandwiches.

People who cooked over an open fire.

People who slept under a tarp while waiting for us to come build a “tin house.”

People who wept as they thanked God for blessing them with a house.

Some Days—Most Days–I need a good attitude adjustment. And a better sense of gratitude!