Don’t let your blessings become a curse.

Luke 12:48 says that “To whom much is given much is required and whoever has been entrusted with a lot even greater is expected.“

I was reminded of this passage during a Christmas sermon that I heard this past week but never had it resonated inside me like it does now. I get it! I see how we can all fall short of our potential and live a life that doesn’t deliver the level of fulfillment we expect.  It’s the very blessings and gifts that we are given that many times become our greatest stresses.  The house that keeps us warm and safe becomes a huge irritant because of a leaky faucet.  The house that you are blessed with has the potential to be a safe haven, a gathering place to friends and family.  Or maybe a rescue center  for a child in need.  Take a deep breath and stop the cycle of negativity.

Consider how much happier we could all be if instead of complaining about our family obligations we gave thanks to God for giving us a family.  My daughter had a classmate that lost her dad in a motorcycle accident just days before Christmas.  On Christmas eve my 8 year old daughter turned to me and said “Dad, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have Christmas without you. It would be really hard.”  I hope she maintains that same appreciation for me when she hits her teen years.

Many times our jobs are a huge source of discontent.  Start each day focusing on how thankful you are to have a job.  In these trying economic times, that is a luxury that many don’t have.  After realizing how blessed you are just to have a job, start examining all of the opportunities that your current job provides or could provide for you.  Are there opportunities for advancement? Is there an opportunity to develop skills that will help you pursue a job that you really want? How about your co-workers? Is there anybody around you that you can learn from? Even the ones that you don’t like to be around can teach you how not to conduct yourself.

Don’t miss an opportunity to learn or give thanks.  If many of us will take a step back from our current worries or concerns we’ll see that we have let our blessings turn into curses in our life.  When you come out of your house to a flat tire on your Acura.  Praise God that you have a car and don’t have to walk 2 miles in the cold to the bus stop each morning.  I know this is easier said than done but please join me in trying.  We just might make our world a better place or at least see it as a better place.