Givers and Takers

Last night I was reading this devotional book that I have been going through for the past week or so, and this portion of the chapter just really stuck out at me, and has been sticking with me today.

"Teacher Bill Gothard illustrates the difference between "energy givers, energy takers, and energy wasters." An energy giver is joyful in spirit and considers the needs of others before her own. An energy taker expects to be served and is a continual drain on others. An energy waster is able to contribute yet complains about the work and weighs down the spirits of others, thinking only of herself. We daily have a choice to make. Will we be "givers," "takers," or "wasters?" Life will be difficult, yes. Yet as Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." We can choose to bring sunshine or rain by our attitude and disposition. As Christian's, we have a joyful task of bringing sunshine in a way that can brighten even the most difficult days!
Certainly there may be times when we struggle to be willing, but even then, we can choose to have a joyful spirit. The Bible say we are to work "...Heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col. 3:23) Our emotions may not be in line initially, but they will follow our outward actions. Ask God to give you a joyful willing spirit, then go at your task with a smile and wait for your heart to catch up!

So many days I complain about the things I have to do, and go about doing things with a bad attitude. If I smile, and say a prayer for a better attitude, God will help me. And even if my heart is still complaining, it will eventually become content in my task.