"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
-Dr. Suess
I had to remind myself constantly of that second line this past week, as one overwhelming thought sat on my mind: MY FEET HURT. I've been working at Target for about a month now, and out of all I've learned (and I've learned a lot!), the thing I'm most reminded of is how much stress 35-40 hour weeks of non stop standing can put on your feet.
But, Jaclyn? What on earth do your feet have to do with anything? I'm getting there guys...
I've been challenging myself lately, thanks to a daily devotional called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I cannot recommend this little read enough! One of the biggest themes in this tiny tool is worship and gratitude even when you have an attitude. This means, in the midst of your feet aches, heartbreaks, and worst days, looking up and thanking, even praising God for your sufferings. So here's my challenge to myself: every time I have a complaint, or a negative thought crosses my mind, I meet it with a reason to be grateful and a prayer of worship for God.
Example:
"My feet hurt so bad!"
"Okay, but I also have a wonderful pair (that's TWO!) of perfectly functioning feet and pain receptors! I 'have feet in [my] shoes.' And SHOES, for that matter! On top of that, I have a beautiful skeletal structure that my God handcrafted himself! How awesome is that? Plus, I have a fun job to make my feet hurt."
"Thank you God for blessing me with feet, and a job. You are the amazing Creator and Provider."
It's amazing how fast this simple exercise has changed my mood! It has made it a million times easier to work as if for God, and not men. Though the people I work for are absolutely lovely, the Big Guy offers way greater benefits than $9.50 an hour.
So, here's my official challenge to the world:
1. When you feel a complaint coming, pause and take a deep breath
2. Look up, and thank God
Until next time,
Jaclyn :)