Majoring in Minors

I'm finding it extremely difficult to even begin writing about today's passage of scripture. According to my study guide, the next verses in the historical order of events requires me to delve into the calamities experienced by Job.

Chapters 1 through 5 detail the beginnings of his suffering and the arrival of three friends who show up to console him.

Interestingly, before I had any familiarity with scripture or knowledge of the Bible, I remember my mother referring to her need for the patience of Job. I think she said something about needing Job's patience when the three of us had gotten on her very last nerve--and that probably happened at least once daily. The phrase may seem cliche', but by the second chapter, the very fact that Job had not cursed God (as his wife suggested) reveals a lot about the man, his character, and his patience.

Reading these verses puts into perspective the sad state I sometimes find myself to be in with regard to what I deem important. When Job had lost almost everything, the Bible says he worshipped.

Job's worship involved pouring out his heart to God in recognition of The Lord's complete worthiness regardless of his almost unbearable circumstances. Our culture applauds "worship" of people, places, and even things, but rarely are we encouraged to solely worship the only one genuinely worthy of our adoration.

It's so easy to forget blessings and take them for granted. Majoring on minors seems to be not just an occasional foible for me, but more often than not, it's a way of life.

"What movie will we watch?"
"Where will we vacation?"
"Which color blouse should I wear?"
"My furniture needs dusting!"
"My house needs cleaning!"
"I need a bigger closet."--are you kidding me?

These are just a few of the things I actually heard myself say or think during the previous twelve hours. Yet merciful God gave me the incredible gift of another day to enjoy about twenty lip-smacky kisses from Ava, fifteen sweet giggles from Lilia, an "I love you," from George, an "I folded your laundry--except the sheets," from Leslie, an unexpected visit from Kathie and Josh that included lots of laughs and silliness, a personal hello and visit from my dad, who at age 76 is leaving tomorrow for a trip to Disney World with my mother in celebration of their 54th wedding anniversary, and that's just to name a few of the precious blessings I enjoyed.

I am ashamed of my anemic worship and failure to properly express my gratefulness to God. I am left with the conclusion that nothing less than contrition and repentance will suffice given the gravity of my seriously deficient expressions of praise.

If tomorrow comes for me, I will consider it my chance for a do-over--the opportunity from gracious God to switch majors.