I could complain. I really could. I mean, come on, have you bought gasoline lately? Truth to tell, I have complained.
I started a new job as a Hospice Chaplain, or, in the new vernacular, a Spiritual Caregiver. I’ve been doing that for most of my life—all part of a day’s work as a minister.
But this Spiritual Caregiver job is so very different. Not so much in the face-to-face aspect, but in all the rules, regulations, and ways of operating that come from corporate governance. But hey, I don’t blame them. They are dealing with the almighty federal and state governments.
At any rate, that’s not my complaint. Well, maybe. I’ve used Apple products for years, and now I’m learning to do things in an Android environment. I could complain, but it is what it is.
No, my complaint is the same as I first mentioned. I don’t know what gas costs in your community, but what is it where I live? Good googly moogly, you’d think they were liquefying gold to make gas. Last time I counted – and I didn’t total everything I shelled out because I was terrified to do so – I spent more than $195 in three days last week. I could eat a bunch of fajitas with that hunk of change—and buy a couple of milkshakes to boot!
So I complained. To my coworkers (who were in the same boat), to my wife, to whoever would listen, and now to you, too! I’m not sure how good a sermon this pity party would make, but there you have it.
As a trained theologian, I know the Apostle Paul said, “Do everything without grumbling and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 CSB). The smart aleck in me wants to say Paul knew nothing about high gas prices. But then I remember Paul was beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and ultimately beheaded for his faith.
Maybe high gas prices aren’t nearly as big a deal as my complaints make them seem. Truthfully? Most of my complaints – and I include yours as well – don’t amount to the pain many have faced and still face.
Do I like these high prices? Not a chance, but for now I can still buy gas. That’s got to count for something, right? And it does. Life isn’t always easy, but it’s what we make it. Indeed, complaining rarely makes things better. More likely, it drags you down and those around you.
So here we are again at the same point I’ve made often – a point I need to hear and remember. Gratitude and thankfulness make life more meaningful, no matter how high gas prices go!
Do yourself and those around you a favor: be grateful in every season of life!
Les Ferguson, Jr. is a minister and faith-based author. He can be reached at lfergusonjr@gmail.com
