In everything give thanks

1 Thessalonians 5

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16Rejoice evermore.

17Pray without ceasing.

18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19Quench not the Spirit.

I've been listening to a radio preacher speak on the power of words. Yesterday's series was entitled "The 6 Things You Should Do With Your Mouth." #2 on the list was to "give thanks," and, correspondingly, "not grumble" (as this "quenches the spirit." Notice verses 18 and 19 of 1 Thessalonians 5 above).

Ironically, my travels yesterday gave me plenty of cause to grumble. I worked at a new store located over an hour (across and into the city) from my home, leaving my oldest boy home alone for one of the last precious days of his summer vacation.

The new store is located inside a converted KFC restaurant. Brand new paint, new carpet, and new cabinetry filled the air with a toxic fog of stinky chemicals. The inventory scanners weren't working, inventory was missing (79 cell phones!) and the computers randomly stopped working.

I work with a local radio personality. He wears large, black-rimmed "fake" glasses to hide his identity. His radio voice, however, carries through the store. Yesterday he made "appointments like a dentist" with friends and family.

On the way home the expressway was reduced to one lane AND closed at another exit. At 10:30 p.m. on a Wednesday I was stuck in a line of traffic two miles long.

And so I grumbled. And grumbled some more.

How quickly my attitude rushes to "quench the spirit!"

I'm grateful that my body is healthy and I can work hard. As I drive to work I see people in wheelchairs or scooters "driving" to a store. Or folks who are broken or elderly as they struggle to cross the street to fetch their mail.

I'm grateful that we were able to send our son N to biotechnology camp where he could spread his wings and gain confidence (and perhaps be influenced to study math and science! :)

I'm grateful for the hot supper of kielbasa, corn and cheesy fries that greeted me when I got home. J had cleaned the kitchen. My husband had taken a boy to football practice and had returned home. The little ones were safe and sound in their beds (well, on the couch).

I am blessed.