Numbers 11: 4-7

“The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said,’If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!’ The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.” (NIV)

Are you focused on everything you believe is wrong, or what needs to be fixed? Or are you consumed with your to-do list, fretting over how much you must get done today? Do you long for what seems to be missing? Like that matching sock, or that fabulous red cashmere sweater you found in the Land’s End catalogue.  Take a deep breath. You are not alone in this.

The ancient Hebrews also struggled with ingratitude. Even though they were eyewitnesses to the Red Sea parting, they failed to appreciate God’s presence and the manna He provided every day. God covered the ground with food from heaven, but soon it wasn’t enough. They thought they were lacking in culinary diversity. Feeling it was their right to have more, they forgot what they already had. They stopped trusting God to care for them. They complained to each other instead. They didn’t ask God to meet their need. They set their minds on the yummy foods they were missing from Egypt, such as fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. If only they had a more variety in their dinner menu, then this grueling journey across the desert would be much more tolerable.

Sound familiar? I’m not sure anything has changed from the desert of ancient times to suburban homes in middle class America. I find myself doing the same things as those Hebrews did.

Snap out of it.

What I set my mind on determines my focus.

If you’re anything like me, the challenge we face is to re-frame our minds to focus on what we have, both material and spiritual.  For example, it may help to name the materialistic things you enjoy. Mine include but are not limited to, a comfortable home, plenty of food in my refrigerator and cupboards, two healthy children, a beautiful grand piano, and a faithful husband.

Then we must turn our minds to spiritual things and name what God has given us: faith, grace, forgiveness, mercy, talents and the freedom to read His word whenever we need to. God provides us with both the physical and the spiritual gifts and will continue to do so as long as our focus is on Him.

During November, I have been intentional about re-focusing my mind and heart on gratitude because it does not come easily for me. God sends us beauty everyday through His creation. He gives us words of comfort everyday in the Bible. He is present among us, protecting us from unknown evil everyday. Join me in taking a moment to thank God for what He has done for us.

Aha, there’s that sock! (Thank you God for matching socks)

Heavenly Father,

You are our provider and our deliverer and protector. Forgive us when we forget this Truth and focus on what we don’t have. Help us to re-new our minds and become more grateful followers of Jesus. Amen