An Attitude of
Gratitude
Scripture: Numbers21:4-9
In college, my mentor, Sister
Redempta, urged me to have an “attitude of gratitude”. You can spread your joy to others or infect
them with a sour mood. The wisdom of her
simple advice applies perfectly with today's reading from Numbers. The Israelites are journeying on the Red Sea
road and conditions are dire. The people
begin to grumble. Perhaps it started as a negative thought here or a comment
there but eventually, they cry out to Moses.
“Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where
there is no food or water?” They have
caught a very sour mood. Even before God
sends the serpents, their veins are filled with the venom of ingratitude. They are “disgusted” with the “wretched food”
of manna God provided for them and their miraculous deliverance from Egypt
pales as they focus on their discontent with how things are going now.
It is easy to understand
their frustration, enduring such difficult circumstances. But God punished their complaints even though
times were very trying. The blessings of
freedom and manna required a lot of sacrifice from the Israelites. It is often the case that God's deepest
blessings bring a good deal of suffering alongside the joy. The challenge is to be grateful for the
blessings God bestows and never allow the sacrifices that accompany them to
fill us with ingratitude.
Prayer:
Patient LORD, I want to have a grateful
heart. Thank you for the blessings in my
life and help me to remain thankful for them when they require me to endure
hardships. Keep me from complaining
about my blessings. Amen.
Mary Beth Beauchamp
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