The List

I think I know what can lead people to depression. Their minds dwell on all the things to be unhappy about. And, no doubt, there is plenty.

In pondering my own “unhappiness” I decided to start a list. I titled it, “Things I’m unhappy about.” It wasn’t hard to get it started.

First, there’s this annoying Covid thing. I don’t know if I’ve ever had it. Maybe I have. I do know that annually I get a winter cold and it sticks around for a while. Coughing. Sneezing. The basics. I took cold meds to help sleep at night. I think it’s almost gone. Where DID this Covid junk come from anyway?? (I think I know. The word begins with “C.”)

Then there’s my car. The screen unit for my GPS, radio, backup camera, car temperature, and other stuff went blank in early February. The manufacturer (at the company named after the first book of the Bible) tells me they have NO idea when the replacement part will be here. Apparently, it’s not a shipping issue. It’s, well, something else. Not happy!

And look what’s happened to our gas prices? They’re over $5 a gallon in California. And we’re getting close to that in Illinois! Grrrrr.

I’m not pleased at all with a local pizza company named after a Roman leader. A week ago, my T-Mobile Tuesday app said this pizza joint was offering a “buy one-get one deal.” I stopped in and was told “we’re not participating in that.” Scowl.

It gets worse. About two years ago, we moved a majority of my retirement account to a more conservative approach. My “financial advisor” at our local C**** Bank suggested to keep a portion of the funds in a more risk/better reward account. I took his advice. Recently I was assigned a new advisor. The other guy left. And I discover that fellow NEVER MOVED the funds into any stocks or bonds account. I lost two years of investment. My head is hurting.

Speaking of having less money, what in the name of Foster Farms is going on with this ridiculous inflation rate? Worst in 40 years!!! I know. I was there! Who’s creating this financial shenanigan? This time, it isn’t Jimmy Carter!

Starbucks and I have been friends for years. But their new coffee prices have just about cured me of caffeine. Over $3 for a “grande black coffee.” I’ve decided I can get by with a smaller size! Count me among the irritated.

I’m also upset about immigration! How is it that hundreds of thousands of people continue to cross into our nation illegally via our southern borders? But you can’t come here from Canada unless you can prove you belong here!

And while I’m griping, I’m sick and tired of watching a parade of “light cheaters” that keep turning at intersections after their lane arrow turns read. Bad form!!!

Among the worst offenders are the liars and deceivers in Congress who tried to stick us with “The Women’s Healthcare Act.” This would permit death “doctors” to terminate a baby’s life even through the ninth month of development. Horrible. Fortunately, that measure did not pass.

And I’m just getting started!!

But wait! Every irritation of life I’ve mentioned pales in comparison to the suffering of the thousands upon thousands in Ukraine right now. The Evil Putin is a tortuous soul. His day will come.

And my woes have no standing in contrast to millions who have no food and live amidst drought conditions in Africa. Or earthquake devastated places like Haiti.

My physical challenges due to diabetes cannot compare to the cancer victims for whom we find ourselves praying. Or families who are grieving over a murdered family member. Or numerous other acts of injustice in our world.

I think it’s best if I reframe my mind and begin “counting my blessings.” My head and my heart will feel better. Perhaps better enough to reach out and help someone who really has it bad.

Psalm 34:8 reads, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (ESV)

I think I need to work on my blessings list.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

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