It's All Perspective...

After a number of years of having way more month left over at the end of my money - every month - I am excited because today I paid my bills and - drumroll please - they're all paid and a bit left over!

I remember once several years ago when I was griping to my mom about having absolutely nothing left after paying my bills, she remarked, "Well, be thankful you could pay your bills." Deep - really. I'll never forget that and I remind myself of it often.

Another exchange I'll remember forever: I ran into an acquaintance whom I knew was going through some very dark times within his family and with his business. I asked, as we always do, "How are you?". He replied, "Well, I can't complain." To which I jokingly said, "Well, we can always complain. It doesn't do any good, but we can always complain!" And with an expression of genuine, heartfelt sincerity, he said, "No, I really can't complain. This morning I got out of my nice warm bed and got dressed with no help from anyone else. I had a good breakfast in the kitchen of my own home. Then I went outside and got into my pickup truck and headed off to my job, my business. How many people only dream of having any of those things? My bed, my house, my truck, my job - no, I really can't complain." A complete sermon in one short paragraph.

My favorite Bible verse is, "And it came to pass...". If life is wonderful and you're on top of the world, enjoy every moment of it because one day it probably will pass. And if your life is in the pits and the entire universe seems out to get you, hang in there because one day this will pass, too.

So count your blessings. And if you're like me you have so many blessings to count, it will keep you so busy you won't have time to complain!