Putting Things Into Perspective

Last night at our midweek Bible study, the place was buzzing with talk about our local gas shortage. Atlanta & Augusta area residents panicked yesterday evening amid rumors that gasoline was no longer available in our area. Reminiscent of the gas crunch in the early 70's, people left work early and jammed stations with long lines, short tempers, and high prices. Many of us grumbled about possibly canceling our travel plans for the holiday weekend. We were feeling very sorry for ourselves. Yet we were enjoying a comfortable sanctuary with cold air conditioning. We had full stomachs from our nice dinners. And we were heading home to our nice homes while thousands on the Gulf Coast were homeless, hungry, and scared.

Then we were notified of a church family with a 15-month old infant in ICU at a local hospital. The prognosis: not good. If the Lord doesn't intervene, the baby will die sometime today. We began to pray for the baby and his young parents. We began to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We began to thank God for His many blessings. By the time we left for home, we had a new perspective for today. No matter how bad things seem to be, someone is always worse off. In comparison to the hurricane tragedy, we really have much to be thankful about.

Paul reminds us that when we are tempted to worry, we should pray. Then we should fix our minds on "excellent & praiseworthy" things. (Philippians 4:4-8) What's he saying? COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! We have been truly blessed by God! Instead of worrying, and feeling sorry for ourselves, we should begin praising HIM! To God be the glory, great things He has done!

I am scheduled to take my family to Atlanta today to celebrate Candi's birthday and enjoy a mini-vacation together. Depending on the gas situation today, we might cancel the trip. Pray that God will show us what we should do. Have a God-Filled day! I love you!