A Bad Start

Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-3; Philippians 2:13-14

“Micah, get up! Time to get ready for school,” called Mom.

Micah pulled the covers over his head and burrowed deeper into the warm cocoon of blankets. He didn’t even open his eyes. He was too busy dreaming about being the pilot of a big jet and traveling around the world.

“Micah,” Mom called again, “get up right now! Do you hear me?”

“Yes.” Micah’s voice was muffled by the pillow over his head.

“Micah, I said now!” Mom’s voice was stern.

Micah sighed but finally stumbled out of bed and into the shower.

“It’s raining,” said Micah as he entered the kitchen a little later. “Why can’t the sun ever shine?” He eyed the breakfast table and frowned. “Oh, yuck! Oatmeal! I can’t stand oatmeal!”

Just then Micah’s sister came to the table. “Morning, everybody,” Adi greeted them. “I am so excited! My class is taking a field trip to the museum today. It’s going to be so much fun!”

“My class never goes on field trips,” said Micah. “I hate school!”

“Who wants to give thanks before we eat?” Mom asked.

“It’s Micah’s turn,” said Adi.

Micah scowled. “Oh, all right,” he said, and he bowed his head. “Dear Jesus, thank You for this day You’ve given us, and thank You for this food and for our school. In Your name, amen.”

“Micah, I think something is very wrong,” said Mom as she passed the oatmeal.

Micah looked up. “Wrong? I guess you mean this oatmeal. I don’t like it either.”

“No, I don’t mean the oatmeal. I mean you,” said Mom. “You thanked Jesus for this day and for the food and for your school, but all you’ve done so far is grumble about them.”

Micah couldn’t deny it—he’d been grumbling since he’d gotten out of bed. “I’m sorry, Mom,” he said. “This morning’s gotten off to a bad start.”

“I find the best way to stop complaining is to remember all I have in Jesus,” Mom said, “like salvation and eternal life and all the earthly blessings He’s given me too.”

“Earthly blessings like…oatmeal?” Micah grinned and took a big scoop of oatmeal. “With brown sugar added, I’m sure it will be delicious!”

Linda M. Weddle

How About You?

How do you start each day? By thanking God for another day He’s given you—or complaining about things you don’t like? Is that how you end the day too? Don’t be a grumbler. When you feel the urge to complain, think of all Jesus has done for you and the many blessings He’s given you in this life. Be a joyful Christian, not a grumbling one.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today’s Key Thought:

Be joyful, not grumbling