Perspective

I have a difficult time expressing my frustration about anything in my life.  With my expression of frustration comes much guilt.  I know that it's legitimate for me to be upset that the bus is late or that it's raining outside...or even that sometimes my friends make me upset.  But do I really have it that bad?  NO!  My life is blessed, compared to the majority of the world!

It's difficult for me to figure out how much expression of disappointment and frustration is appropriate and healthy.  When does it cross the line to just plain whiny-ness? I tend to lean to the side of not complaining because I feel guilt when I do...but then where does the frustration and disappointment go?

For instance:

Photo from PBS article 

I understand that it sucks that we are currently having crappy summer weather in Seattle and I also understand that we are free to express our frustration with the lack of sun. This article explains exactly how Autumn-esc our (supposed) summer has been this year: Komo New Article

However, when I opened this article about Somalia's current situation I was about 2 seconds from crying.

Our weather is not great, but we have food and we have blankets to wrap ourselves in at the park...and we have umbrellas and rain jackets when the water starts dropping.  We are not experiencing anything even close to what those in other parts of the world are enduring...heck...we aren't even having to put up with what many people in other parts of our country are experiencing right now.

When I find myself complaining (which is way too often...ummm...like---every day): I immediately don't understand myself because my life is so blessed!

• I'm tired because I'm taking classes while working full time: I can AFFORD to have the opportunity to go to college.
• I'm sick of being single: I live in a portion of the world where women are FREE to be single and make THEIR OWN decision!
• My pants are fitting a little tight: I have TOOO MUCH food (amazing!!!)

And the reason for many of the blessings in my life is the simple chance of location at birth...it's not because I'm better or more loved by God than those in other parts of the world.  It's a random fact...a fact that is quite convenient for my life...but quite inconvenient for millions of others.

So, Seattle friends, although you may continue to complain about our weather I will ignore you, if you don't mind. I will continue to be thankful for the fact that the temperature is not 125 degrees and that there is food on my table every meal of every day.

Rather than complaining about my frustrations and disappointment I will try to (but expect to fail often) give them to God! He is better at taking care of problems than I am anyway.