Prideful and Ungrateful

Day One hundred twenty-four:

30 day challenge. Day 8.

Passage. James 4:6-10

My thoughts after reading the passage alone. This passage says a lot about submission. Being humble. Humility brining us closer to God. At first, I wondered - what does this have to do with thanksgiving? My idea is that saying thanks requires humility. I can't say thanks if I am always in control, if I are the reason for my blessings. I can only say thanks when I acknowledge the contributions of others to my life. When I acknowledge my need for others. For God.

Challenge thought. No feelings of entitlement allowed in the humble, grateful heart. Prideful people whine, are self obsessed, complain. They are the opposite of grateful.

Challenge. Make a list of things I remember whining about lately. (Ick. I don't want to do that. Pride.) Then consider how they contribute to a prideful, ungrateful spirit.

My complaints (just a few): Jason's alarm clock went off repeatedly when I was supposed to get to sleep in - I almost gave myself permission to be irritable all morning because I woke up when I didn't want to. Silent obsessing about wanting money to buy new clothes - I am attached to the things of this world. The tv volume was too loud - my preferences should make everyone stop and change. Anyone not listening when I talk to them - my communication should be more important than anything else in your life, give me attention when I want it.

Thank you, God, for helping me to see my sins. Please continue to point them out and help me make changes...rather, please work in me to bring about change. Thank you for showing me that I often get to make a choice to be in a mood - good or bad. Thank you for taking care of my physical needs so completely. Thank you for helping us to make the wise decision about spending today. Thank you for giving me a husband who does care about my preferences and likes giving me his attention. Please create a more humble spirit in me.



What's this about? I decided on my birthday to make a commitment to being intentionally thankful. I challenged myself to post one thing I am thankful for everyday this year.