Many of us want to change; we want to be a better version of ourselves. We want to have more money, more friends, a better job. We always want more. Often people think of more in material terms, but even with myself, I want to see more fairness in the world, I want more people to live in faith, I want more children to have better role models, I want more people to stand up for what is right.

All this wanting creates frustration, mainly because God can not always grant us what we want, on our timetable. Sometimes what we pray for, is not what God thinks is best for us.

Over the last two weeks, I had many frustrations that I know you will be able to relate to,

•    Feeling frustrated that I would like to do more,

•    Frustrated that things are not going, as I would like,

•    Frustrated at others for not doing, as I would like them to do.

Some frustration is good to motivate us. The problem arises when we let the frustration build up inside of us and never check it, so, it is always just beneath the surface, waiting for something to set it off.

Being frustrated is bad for ourselves and the people around us.

So what is the solution?

Since my last post I have been very frustrated, as a particular situation in my life was not going as I would like. I couldn’t settle or relax as it was always on my mind. Then as I was praying one day, a thought came into my mind saying, be thankful for what you do have.

This thought resonated with me.

We get so caught up in our lives and the lives of others, that we forget to be thankful for what we do have.  When we are feeling frustrated with life, take a pause, and be thankful.  Yes, you may not have what you desire in your life right now, but if it is Gods will, it is on its way.

Learn to become thankful for all the things that God has graced you with, health, a family that loves you, a community that cares, a garden, a friend. We can take for granted even the simple act of hearing until we meet someone that is deaf.

When writing this post a friend mentioned a name of a speaker called Nick Vujicic. I searched for him on YouTube and discovered this heart touching video. Instantly all the minor stresses that were on my mind faded away; I was so thankful to God for blessing my life.

Frustration mainly comes from focusing on the wrong things, which makes you forget about how much you have already achieved, all the things that are going well in your life. It’s so easy to forget God is in control.

Over this Easter season, try to be a little more thankful when you feel life is against you. Also, when you see others being frustrated with life, remind them to be thankful.

A great part of faith is to spread the knowledge that we have gained with others. We all need a gentle reminder to realign our focus, to get back on course

 

Have a great Easter Tuesday
Rev J Martin