The Pity Party

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:1-5, 10-14

Luke sat in the back seat of the car, pouting. When Mom asked why he seemed so unhappy, his sister, Sydney, laughed. “He’s mad because Dad wouldn’t let him buy that junk at the gift shop.”

Luke scowled. “It wasn’t junk. I never get to buy anything. Besides, we’ve been on vacation four days already, and I’m tired of always sitting here in the back seat with you.”

“Well, I’m tired of sitting back here with you too,” Sydney grumbled. “It’s so hot, and you know I get carsick sometimes.”

Dad and Mom exchanged glances. Sydney and Luke had been complaining most of the morning. Then Mom’s eyes twinkled. “Well, what about me? That mattress in our motel last night was so hard I couldn’t sleep, and the eggs I got for breakfast were cold and overdone.”

“You think you’ve got it bad?” said Dad. “This trip is costing me a bundle! I work hard to make money so we can take trips like this, but no one seems to appreciate it very much!”

The children stared at them. It sure seemed strange to hear their parents whining!

Dad turned and looked at Luke and Sydney, and Mom glanced back at them in the rearview mirror. Both parents laughed at the expressions on the kids’ faces. “We thought we’d get in on the pity party,” said Dad.

“Pity party?” said Luke. “What’s that?”

“That’s what you call it when people feel so sorry for themselves they don’t even want to be cheered up,” said Mom. She pulled into a scenic turnoff. “Wow! Look at that magnificent view,” she said. “We were so busy with our pity party we forgot to notice the good things around us.”

Dad nodded. “I think we should spend the next few minutes thinking of things we’re thankful for. God has done so many great things for us. A praise party is much more fun than a pity party any day! What do you say?”

“I say let’s turn our pity into praise,” said Sydney.

“Yeah,” said Luke. “Maybe we can turn our whole vacation into one big, powerful praise party!” Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Have you had a praise party lately? Or are you too busy throwing a pity party? When you look for reasons to complain and feel sorry for yourself, your attitude blinds you to God’s many blessings—like His beautiful creation, His great love for you, and the gift of His Son, Jesus. Sometimes things you don’t like will happen, but don’t let them keep you from being thankful for all God has given you. Turn your pity party into praise.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 103:2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Turn pity into praise