Chocolate chip pancakes, homemade strawberry syrup, fresh whipped cream . . . Are you hungry?
Every once in a while, I go all out and make this ooey-gooey, sweet, chocolatey breakfast. The kids love it and we all enjoy piling up the plates. This picture is actually from July 4 - not only a special day, but one that holds special significance to me because God taught me another lesson.
We have a rule in our house that there is no whining, grumbling or complaining. (There's actually a 5 cent fine for the kiddos!) Well, on the morning of July 4 as we were preparing to have our "indoor" parade and fixing up all of our goodies for the day -- I watched Holly as she ate her chocolate chip pancakes. She enjoyed every little bite, closing her eyes as she savored the flavors, licking her lips and sighing. (Did I mention that she's an adult?) I chuckled as I watched her and was reminded that God gives us so many of these experiences. Every moment of every day should be an act of worship - and we should cherish every little thing that He so graciously gives us -- even something as small as eating a plate of chocolate chip pancakes. But . . . do we?
How many adults do you know that whine and grumble and complain? I know quite a few - and I'm ashamed to say, myself included. Oh, you may not hear it - it may just be that I'm whining in my head - but, I'm whining just the same. Chocolate chip pancakes that day reminded me of the rule I have for my children. I would never let them say, "Why does she have more chocolate chips than me?" or "My whipped cream isn't touching all the pancakes!" But - Wow! Have you listened to some of the adults around you lately? How about yourself? Ouch.
The Bible tells us to do all things without grumbling or complaining. (Don't you like my emphasis?) How are you doing on that one? Maybe we should all make signs (like the one in my schoolroom) - and fine ourselves for whining, grumbling or complaining. We have SO much to be thankful for and yet, we focus on what we don't have or what we can't do or how hard life is!
What kind of examples are we being? And what do others see in us? Are they going to walk away from us and think, "Whew, she sure is a complainer!" Or will they see that we can worship and glorify God even through the tough times?
I'm challenged to work on this, how about you? And suddenly, I have a hankering for chocolate chip pancakes.
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