In Ladies Bible study, we have been studying self-pity. What a trap! What an insult to God!
And so much of our view of ourselves is relative anyway. Let me explain. I live in a small, poor town. The average income here is 200 dollars a month. Compared to most of them, I am rich. I own a nice, 4 bedroom, two bathroom home. I have a dishwasher and a microwave. We have a van.
Now, when we return to the US, we are poor. If we sold our house in Chile for full price, it wouldn't be enough for a down payment for a house in California. Our van is from 1988. At our income level, we probably qualify for food stamps. My furniture is old (not nice antique old, just old!), our clothes are old. I buy drug-store make-up. Compared to most we see, we are pitifully poor. And I am definitely not complaining.
Don't you see? Its all relative! I thank God for all the situations He puts us in. I live both ways.
Here in Chile, just because I am an American, I am automatically placed in the upper-middle class. In America, well, I am glad we don't have "classes" in America!
What I have or don't have should not make me happy. God is my joy, wherever I am.
R
more to come on self pity
Odds and ends and breaking the silence
2 years ago
2 comments:
Some excellent cross-cultural thoughts. I try to practise an "attitude of gratitude" whenever I find myself wallowing in self-pity. Soon, I begin to experience my cup as "half-full" rather than as "half-empty." PTL!
Thank you E-mom! Nice of you to stop by. I find that gratitude takes care of a lot. The Bible says that Love covers a multitude of sins, but gratitude covers quite a few, too.
R
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