A couple of days ago I was outside feeding our animals dressed in coveralls, a coat, a hat, and gloves. Even with all of those layers on, I was frozen.
The air was so cold that my cheeks felt like someone had slapped them, and my nose was so numb I wasn’t sure it would ever feel warm again.
While feeding the animals is normally James’ job, he had basketball practice, so the task fell to me. With only 2 dogs and 20 chickens to take care of, it isn’t hard work. Yet, I wanted to grumble because it was so cold, and I had quite a few things to do in the house before supper.
With complaints bubbling near the surface, I happened to look towards our woods.
I took a deep breath and soaked in the beauty of the setting sun’s light filtering through the trees.
I marveled at the power of the water in our creek to keep flowing despite the ice that was threatening to close over the top of it.
For a few minutes I just walked around and praised God for providing such beauty in the midst of a desolate winter. I forgot all about how cold I was and how I had other things I needed wanted to do instead.
As I breathed in air that was so cold it hurt my lungs, I thought about how different I felt than I had just a few minutes prior.
What had caused this change in my attitude?
Praise.
I simply praised God for all of his overflowing blessings, and my complaints melted away.
What can you do when your life feels like a cold winter’s day? When you feel numb from the problems you face and the tasks at hand?
Praise God for all He has done for you. Give thanks for all that is going right in your life, no matter how small it may seem.
Praise Him…
…when your tire goes flat and you are wearing pajamas.
…when your baby spits up so much milk that you both have to change clothes.
…when you don’t feel beautiful.
…when there is more month than money.
…when the dishes and laundry are piled high and deep.
…when you don’t feel good enough.
…when you feel like complaining.
Such a simple act, the act of turning the blessings God pours out back into praise, can change your life.
