You Get What You Get and You Don't Throw a Fit

We were at a birthday party recently where the kids received cupcakes with Thor rings on them. Immediately, a chorus of complaints began to swell around the room. "That one's bigger!" "I wanted a different ring!"  "Why did you give me the one with the red paper?" I thought, Honestly children! These are CUPCAKES with THOR on them! How can you complain SO much about something SO cool? That's when I recited the oft repeated mantra in our home: "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!"

Over the next few days I began to pay more attention to the source of my children's complaints. It surprised me to discover that they complained the most about their treats and during fun activities. I wanted to pull my hair out and shout, "Don't you see? I'm trying to BLESS you! You can't enjoy these gifts if you are too busy complaining and whining!"

Now, some of you may know that  we have been in the process of moving. While I am not stranger to the moving process, this move has been challenging, to say the least. While I was unpacking and cataloging my possessions the movers damaged, I found myself grumbling. "The movers didn't break my friend's washing machine." "My neighbors don't have wasps in their attic." "Why can't I have cable internet?" Then I heard my own voice repeating: You get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

I stopped unpacking to check on the kids playing in our new, beautiful backyard. I was standing there, literally SURROUNDED by enormous blessings and the only thing issuing from my heart were complaints and whining.  I could almost hear God's voice, "Don't you see? I'm trying to BLESS you! How can you experience the full extent of My blessing if you are too busy complaining?"

My children were only following my example of grumbling the most over my blessings. Several incidents flashed through my mind: when I cried after seeing our house in Del Rio, or the times I was upset over various Air Force assignments because somebody else got something "better". 

Now, I'm resolving to be a better example for my kids. We've begun asking, "are you being a Thankster (are you thankful for your gifts?) or a Crankster (are you whining and grumbling over something that could be lovely)?" Instead of complaining, I will enjoy these incredible gifts!

On a side note: please do not misunderstand me. I am speaking of BLESSINGS. If my child falls and scrapes her knee I'm not going to tell her, "you get what you get" or "are you being a thankster?" Many loved ones have experienced terrible suffering and loss. I believe during those seasons of life, it's okay, necessary even, to mourn. The critical part is discerning the blessing from the trials. 

May I now ask you, are you grateful for your Thor cupcake?