When you start to whine about your life....

Yesterday was one of those days that reminds me that my life is pretty good no matter how it may seem from time to time.  A 7th grader at Ionia Middle School had to call 911 at 4:30 AM because of an argument between her parents.  When the cops arrived they discovered that her father had shot her mother, her brother, and then killed himself.  It is certainly beyond my imagination how difficult this little girl's life is right now (as of now, both her brother and mother are in serious condition at the hospital).  I was called to the MS on friday morning to cover the classes of one of her teachers.  When you find out that you're working today because three people were shot, it puts things in perspective.
We all tend to be a little myopic about our lives, don't we?  We all have problems, many of them serious, and it really takes a jolt to get us to see beyond ourselves.  None of us are promised a tomorrow, today could be your last day.  Is it worth is to spend this day complaining?  As the Apostle James wrote, "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."  Take a realistic look at your life.  Thank God for you many blessings (and tell him of your cares and worries in prayer), and never forget that life is a precious gift, one only our Creator can give.