Your Outlook

November 16, 2023

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

Once there was a poor man who had many troubles. He needed some advice, so he went to a wise man in town. “My wife and I and our six children all live crowded together in a tiny little house. We trip and bump into each other all day, have little room to sleep, and no privacy. What shall we do?”

The wise man stroked his beard, deep in thought, considered a moment and replied, “How many animals do you have in your barn?”

“A cow, a goat, a pig and some chickens,” the man answered.

“Good. Go home and take all of the animals into the house with you,” the wise man said. The poor man was surprised, but he did as he was told. The following day he was back to see the wise man.

“What a terrible thing you had me do,” he said. “The animals are into everything. They have turned the house into a dirty barn. It stinks! They have eaten all of our food and we had to sleep standing up.”

The wise man thought again and said, “Now go home and take the animals back out of the house.” The poor man hurried home and did so. The next day he was back smiling.

“With the animals out of the house, it seems quiet and peaceful now,” he said. “And with no animals around it is so clean. My wife and children and I have so much room in which to eat and sleep. Thank you for helping us. You are such a wise man!”

As I ponder this tale, I think back-I grew up in a 3 bedroom house, with one bathroom, one rotary phone and no air conditioning. I have lived in much bigger houses than that during the course of my life. Now I have air conditioning, cell phones, multiple bathrooms, and internet! And I can still find some things about my house to complain about. It all depends on your perspective-your OUTLOOK.

You can choose to be pleasant and content today. If you are reading this, you are alive! You can read! You have a computer (or a smartphone). Psalm 9:1-2 says, “I will praise You Lord with all my heart. I will tell of your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You.”

It’s Thanksgiving Time! Be thankful for what you have and don’t focus on what you don’t have. The world is more than we know. One thing I have learned from working in hospitals and pastoring people, is that there is always someone who has it worse than you-so look for the blessings and be thankful.

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Please share with me!