Finding the Quiet Blessings

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."
Philippians 2:14-16a

A little over a week ago, my alarm clock went off in the morning per usual. However, as I was turning off my alarm, the heat abruptly shut off. After waiting a few seconds, I soon became aware that I would be getting ready for work without electricity. Although I did not realize it that morning, I was faced with a choice at that moment: I could choose to look for the quiet blessings in the circumstance, or I could choose to complain. I hate to admit that my initial reaction was to complain.

I should know by now that complaining rarely changes my circumstances, but it is extremely easy to forget. I was so caught up in frustration that I nearly forgot to look for the quiet blessings. It was not until I went to take a shower that I began to shift my perspective. The sun had not yet begun to peek over the horizon, so despite having a window, my bathroom was pitch black. I had to feel around for the shower door, then the faucet handle, the shampoo bottle, and so on. While I was struggling to complete the simple task of bathing myself, I realized how blessed I am to have sight and electricity. This then led me to the realization that, in the grand scheme of things, I am incredibly blessed to even have access to different soaps and a private shower! It pains me to think that I was complaining about not having electricity for one morning, while many people in the world live without it completely.

One of the concepts I strive to live by is that of 'quiet blessings.' You may have figured it out by now, but quiet blessings are those that are not always the most obvious, but can make a huge difference in attitude when you shift your focus from the complaint to the blessings. Instead of changing your circumstances (which may be beyond your control in the first place), change your perspective. If you have noisy neighbors, instead of complaining about their noise distracting you, look for the quiet blessings: The fact that you have neighbors implies you have a place to call home, and the fact that you can hear them means that you have been blessed with the gift of hearing. If a family member passes away, look for the quiet blessings: Your sadness means that your life has been enriched by this person, while those who huddle around you for support show you that you are loved. No matter the circumstance you find yourself in, there will always be a quiet blessing waiting to be discovered. You might have to search for it, but it's there.

I often think of the quiet blessings as winks from God. Your circumstances might be difficult, but God can always be seen through them. He provides the quiet blessings as if to say, "My child, I know you are hurting, but I assure you- Everything is going to be okay." When you choose to ignore His quiet blessings and instead complain, it's as if you are saying, "God, the place you have me right now is not good enough. I can think of something better. Therefore, my plans are superior to Yours." When you complain, you become your own God.

In addition, complaining delays growth. Until you settle in and accept the circumstances, you are blind to the opportunity God is placing before you. Your mind closes off the possibility of a good result. The mind is extremely powerful. It can be one of Satan's greatest weapons. All it takes is one deceitful thought implanted in your mind to grow into a multitude of destruction. Complaining works the same way; If you begin by looking at a situation as unfortunate or unfair, it will take a lot more convincing for you to change your mind than if you had looked for the quiet blessings from the beginning. If you go into a situation with no preconceived notions, you can trust in and begin to see God's purpose much more easily.

I never realized how important light is until I could not see without it. Now, I must be that light to help others see. As Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, you will "shine like stars in the universe" when you leave complaints to the wayside. I refuse to let complaints cast shadows over my ability to shine. I have a responsibility to suffer well and live my life in such a way that says, "I honestly believe that God is Sovereign. My greatest plans are inferior to His worst."

Next time you find yourself complaining, press 'pause.' Look for God, and He will reveal Himself to you. You have been blessed with much more than has been lost, and you are responsible for using these blessings to glorify Him. Stand out. Be the example. Be Christ.