I can get annoyed all day long – but I am not obliged to do so

On Monday my short holiday will be over again and I have to return to work. The lovely days of doing just what one wants to will be over. Then the alarm will ring again every morning to remind one that one can't turn around again, but must get up and get ready for work.

In an anecdote, a man was asked, during a job interview: “What are your prospects at work?” - “Weekends and holidays ” - “We mean longterm!” - “The vacation”.

How many of us live only with the prospect of the weekend or vacation/holidays? - When you are able to live life without the boss or teacher telling you what to do? In this manner, life becomes very short. The few free days per year, as opposed to the other days, don't give you a lot of free time.

Todays Bible verse sees this quite differently. “This is the day which the Lord hath made!” Every day, regardless of what we do, is a day given to us by God. If we exclude most of these days, then we reject our gift from God. We should also look forward to work or school!

I once heard the following phrases in a sermon:

Rejoice when you get a fine whilst driving – it means you can afford a car!
Rejoice when you have a mountain of ironing to do – it means you have enough to wear!
Rejoice when you need a new fridge – it means you have plenty of fresh food to eat!
Rejoice when you have to go to work – it means you receive money...

This list is endless. A lot of things which seem negative at first glance, has its positive side. A lot of that which annoys us is, on the other side, also often grounds to be thankful for and to rejoice!

See life through these glasses just once and your life will become much more fulfilled and you will also have much more of your gifted time.

What can you give thanks for today?

I wish you a blessed and thankful day.

Rainer Gigerich