Just Another Day in Paradise!

Well I woke up this morning to our yard covered in a mix of snow, sleet and ice.  What an interesting way to welcome the second day of spring!  I had to laugh, "Only in Michigan!"  I could have been discouraged or complained about the weather, but what is the point?  It would not change a thing, and only bring me and my household down.  

I am not perfect, and yes I do sometimes groan about things, but I am working on not doing that!  The bible says "Do everything without complaining or arguing" Philippians 2:14  then it goes on to say unless it is about the weather then it is ok...........wait NO it doesn't!  Ha!  I am really striving to be content, and before I get there I need to stop looking at all the negatives and see the good that is all around me.  

I have felt convicted about not complaining about the weather ever since I read a book: "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow.  In one of her chapters she said how she knew a lady who was a missionary to a foreign country, Africa I think.  There would be days they would have over 100 degree temps, sometimes in the 120's, and this woman would NEVER complain about it being too hot, and she didn't have an air-conditioner!!  We are sooo pampered here in America.  Even if it is bitter cold outside, we can go where it is warm, or in a cool house when it is roasting out. 

From Calm My Anxious Heart:

"Prescription for Contentment:

-Never allow yourself to complain about anything-not even the weather.

-Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.

-Never compare your lot with another's.

-Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.

-Never dwell on tomorrow-remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours."

"Just as a cup of tea gets stronger when we give it time to steep, so we become more content when we spend time in God's Word and allow it to steep into our lives, transforming us to be like Him."

So when I saw the glorious spring day that God blessed me with today I decided to look at the positives.  The ice on the trees and plants is absolutely gorgeous, my heater is working and my husband has a job to be able to pay for our bills, I can stay home with my kiddos and play (and clean) all day, and we're all healthy!  There is much more to be thankful for but that is what comes to mind.  

I will end with a quote from a favorite song, which I played a few times today and reminded myself how good I really have it, I REALLY have nothing to complain about!

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

-Phil Vassar "Just another day in paradise"