Complaining. We’re all guilty of it. When things don’t seem to be going our way, or when we find something unfair or unjust, we open our mouths and let it be heard that we feel as though something is not right. Things aren’t fair. And we are upset about it.

In our society, complaining has become second nature. We even made up a hashtag for it (#FirstWorldProblems) and we parade it around as though complaining is something to be praised. Something we all should do.

Let me go ahead and say, I’m incredibly guilty of complaining. I’m guilty of adding fuel to the fire and letting it burn. I’m guilty of expressing how unhappy I am with things going on in my life, regardless how small they may be.

We get so caught up in our own little world, we often times forget the bigger picture.

Here are some times that I challenge you when you hear yourself complaining about them, you stop what you’re doing, and you think. Think about how blessed you really and truly are.

When you’re having a bad hair day.

Because at least you have hair. At least you haven’t had to undergo Chemotherapy and had it all fall out.

When you have an exam in a class.

Because at least you’re getting the opportunity to get an education.

When you don’t like your food.

Because odds are, you can likely skip that meal and still be OK for the rest of the day.

When you get pulled over for speeding.

Because police officers risk their lives every single day to keep us safe.

When the guy/girl you like “ghosts” you.

Because the Creator of the Universe loves you and His love is deeper and more meaningful than any love another human could ever give you.

When you can’t find “anything” to wear.

Because at least you have clothes to put on in the morning.

When you don’t want to go to work.

Because at least you have a way to pay your bills.

When you don’t get accepted for a certain job/opportunity you wanted.

Because that just means that God has something else in store for you.

When your family/friends are getting on your nerves.

Because at least you have people who love and care about you and your well-being.

When you’re tired from a long day.

Because you’ve got somewhere to go rest your head at night.

When you think you’re being oppressed.

Because Jesus was beaten and hung on the cross for doing absolutely nothing wrong.

When you stub your toe.

Because at least you have your feet and are able to use them to walk around.

When you don’t feel like standing for the National Anthem.

Because thousands of brave men and women will never have the chance to again.

When you get caught outside in the rain.

Because you have somewhere inside to go to that’s warm and dry.

I’m hoping that if we can open our eyes, and see the blessings all around us every single day, then those problems we’ve faced in our day-to-day life will suddenly seem a whole lot smaller. If we can start to think to spread our circle, start to expand our world... maybe, just maybe, we could see that these "problems" aren't quite so big after all.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18