My Snow Blower is Gone!

I am a Minnesota girl and if you asked me I would say that I love the snow. But today, my husband is traveling for work, so clearing the snow is my job.  I started the job with a "not so bad" attitude, but it didn't take long before I was grumbling and complaining. I was complaining about the amount of snow, my husbands job and how he wasn't here to clear the snow with the snow blower, how we need a new snow blower that I can manage, how high the snow banks were and how I had to throw the snow further...it didn't take long for the snow to go from beautiful to something frustrating.

Then I decided it was time for my girls to come out and play in the snow, you know fresh air is good for them, and it didn't take long before I heard my youngest complaining that the snow was cold.  Her complaining was like screeching in my ears, all she was doing was playing while I worked.

It was her complaining that got me thinking...is that what my complaining is like to God?  And as I was shoveling I was reminded of Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing."  You see, I like winter...when it comes on my terms.  When I am sitting inside with a cup of coffee and a good book. When my hubby is home to snow blow. When it doesn't affect my plans. I like God's plans, when they feel good. When there is no pain for me or rejection.  Yet, God did the ultimate work on the cross and I sit back and enjoy the benefits...and find myself complaining when things aren't easy or don't make sense.

I am reminded of the Israelites in the Old Testament they were given much...freedom, food, water, protection, but yet they complained. You can read in Numbers about times that the Israelites complained and the result: death.  People died when complaining happened. Though we may not see God sending snakes to kill us as we complain, we do experience the "death" of our hearts as we become angry and bitter people. Colossians 3:8 calls those who are in Christ to something different, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." Search the Bible and you will find many verses about anger or bitterness...it is hard to be thankful, grateful, and kind when we are bitter.

Instead, God calls to a different attitude, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) or "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).  And Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." May we be people that rejoice even on the days that are tough?  May we be reminded to be thankful when things don't go our way?

What would it be like to be thankful in all circumstances? Can I be thankful that I have a shovel and a capable body? Thankful that my husband works hard to provide for us. Thankful that because he works hard we have heat and a home. I am definitely not complaining on the days I spend the money he earns at Target! Thankful for the plow drivers that will clear the snow.  What do you need to be thankful for today? The tow truck driver that just pulled your car out of the ditch?  The kids that are warm and safe in your home, even if they are buzzing around you and kind of driving you crazy.

As I write this the snow continues to fall, and I know that I will need to head back out soon for another round of shoveling. For now, I will sit here with a cup of hot coffee and enjoy the beauty of the snow and am thankful that when the next round of snow comes this weekend....my husband will be home to use the snow blower.