When I Complain

When I complain of the spilt milk on the sofa and the child who dislikes her vegetables, I will remember the mother without any milk to offer her child and who has no vegetables to cook for her family.  I’ll remember the mother who goes hungry so her children will have more to eat and who has no sofa or chair to sit on at the end of the day.

When I complain about the mountains of laundry and the stains on my child’s clothing and the burden of keeping everyone dressed and shoed, I will remember the mother who has only a few items of clothing for her family which are stained and threadbare and must be beat on a rock at the river.  I’ll remember the mother whose children have never worn shoes and has no hope of getting new clothing for the next season.

When I complain of the time it takes to clean my home, I will remember the mother who has no home to call her own.  I’ll remember the mother whose home has no floor but the ground and a roof that leaks.

When I complain of how difficult it is to get my children to sleep, I will remember the mother who has no bed to tuck her little ones in at night. I’ll remember the mother who has to sleep next to her children to protect them during the night.

When I complain of how hard the week has been while my children have been sick, I will remember the mother who lives in fear of losing her child to disease. I’ll remember the mother who has no medicine or doctor to carry her sick child to see.

When I complain of my high utility bills, I will remember the mother who walks miles each day to fetch clean water for her family.  I’ll remember the mother who gathers or chops wood to keep her children warm through the cold winter nights.

When I complain of not having enough time for myself, I will remember the mother who really is alone with no spouse or extended family in a culture with violence and lawlessness where she must keep her children with her at all times to keep them safe.  I’ll remember the mother who has lost her child and has nothing but time and memories.

When I complain of the little things in this life, I’ll remember the truth – That I am abundantly blessed and called by God to help those in need!