When things don’t go my way – and trust me, they often don’t – I know now that it’s much better to consider what God is looking to teach me rather than to start feeling sorry for myself. I am learning in all aspects of my work and my family life to turn my thinking from self-pity into gratitude. I have a choice today. I can choose to go into self-pity, or I can choose to be grateful.

At my office, we recently reorganized our space and the desks. When I was sitting at my new desk I found myself building up resentments against one of my colleagues, because I thought that she had the “perfect” desk.  No wonder she’s so happy at work, I thought. During my quiet time the next day, God helped me to turn things around and to start being grateful. I thought about my lovely view overlooking an historic building, the plants on the window sill, the proximity to the window, and last but not least, the fact that I’ve got my back turned from the shelf where there is free food for people in the office. That food is none of my business and I don’t even have to look at it! I began to like my desk and came to realize that  I could not have a more suitable desk!

A few weeks ago I had a business dinner with my colleagues at work.  I had deliberately reserved a particular table in advance and had been assured that we would get that specific table. When we arrived, the waiter apologized profusely and said that the table would not be available. Well, looks like God is looking to teach me to let go here, I thought. Where we were seated actually did not make a difference to my colleagues, the food, the conversation, or anything else. I am so grateful that God lovingly reminded me of those facts. In my past, I would have been very upset and probably gone into self-pity, thinking that I wasn’t an important enough guest in the restaurant to deserve the other table. This time around, however, God helped me to have a very pleasant evening.

There are things in my home life that can be challenging at times. We have a son who could be nicknamed “Mr. Messy.” Instead of going into self-pity and getting upset that his room looks like a bomb exploded, I am learning from God to let go and realize that there are more important things in the life of a 12-year-old boy than to tidy up his room. My other son moves very slowly, and I am the type of person who likes to get things done quickly.  I can’t believe how long it takes a little person to eat an apple! A very dear FA friend pointed out to me that God is looking to teach me to become more patient. I am learning that there are actually more important things in life than to get everything done quickly. I can appreciate what a blessing our son is in my life.