It happened today Daily Cup family.
Our first significant snowfall of the winter season has hit Buffalo.
For those who read my blog consistently, you know I’ve been waiting for this to occur since late last year. But January 13 turned out to be the set time. Since I still have my Christmas tree up in my house, I guess it’s not too late to have my “White Christmas” after all.
Although there isn’t quite enough snow for the Hobbs family to make a snowman in the backyard (yet), the ground is covered. I believe the weather is calling for more flurries over the weekend, so we’ll see how things shape up.
Typically, I would be completely ecstatic about the white stuff.
I love snow.
Love. It.
But…there’s just one thing.
I have to get dressed up and go somewhere tomorrow night, and heavy snowfall can make driving conditions a little treacherous.
Part of me, deep down, wishes the snow would hold off for one more day.
But then again, I’ve been wishing and hoping, and singing “Let it snow,” for weeks.
How dare I complain about this being an “inconvenient” time!
It makes me think about how easy it is to murmur once we receive the showers of blessings God rains down from heaven. We pray, believe, wait, and then receive, only to grow frustrated with what we deem unwelcome changes.
Can you think of anything like that?
It might be some sort of opportunity or responsibility you once dreamed of having... until you got it. Now you have trouble finding the good in it.
We all feel that way from time to time, which is why so many of us relate to the Book of Exodus that shares the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery. After God sent Moses to miraculously free Israel, they didn’t like the “wilderness accommodations” very much. They missed their old menu that consisted of meat, leeks, onions, and all they could eat. So the Israelites murmured and complained. They were unable to focus on the blessing of freedom for missing all they left behind.
Life can be like that.
Challenges and blessings often reside under the same roof. Things we love are frequently mixed in with things we don't love.
But at the end of the day, the goodness of the Lord outweighs the the bad.
So focus on God's goodness.
To help you do that, I'm adding Philippians 4:8 NIV to your cup of inspiration. It says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded that you have the power to control your perspective. When you make a decision to think about what is praiseworthy and excellent in every situation, no matter what you go through, you'll never lack reasons to give God glory.
Perspective matters.
Focus on the good.
Make a decision to implement 2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV, which says, "...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Now let's pray together.
Lord, thank You for challenging me to change my perspective today and opening my eyes to all the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. Please help me, even in the midst of immense challenges, to choose thoughts that align with Your word; thoughts that lead me to praise, not complain. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
