Last week was a rough one for me.  How about you?  Or maybe it’s this week.  Let’s face it, we all have weeks that try our patience or send us into a pity party of one.

I was struggling through some difficult decisions, some areas of conflict, some misunderstandings, some challenges from the Enemy, all of which led to some sleepless, restless nights.

That all came to a head on Friday morning after another night with crazy dreams and little rest.  I woke up feeling defeated and discouraged – maybe even questioning God a bit.

True confessions – Because it’s just me, I eat virtually all my meals on the couch in front of the TV or reading a book or devotions.  My morning routine is to eat my breakfast while reading my devotions, all before turning on the morning TV news program.

As I was setting my full glass of milk on the coffee table, somehow, I didn’t get it centered on the coaster and the whole thing tipped over, drenching the tabletop and soaking the carpet.

So, given my already sour (pun intended) disposition at that point, all I could do is say, “Really God??  Now this?”  As if this was the worst possible outcome for my morning.

But sometimes it’s a buildup of small irritations, stacking one on top of another, that results in a “woe is me” attitude far out of proportion to the actual situation.

And yet, I was angry (at myself, mostly) and feeling even more despondent after this spill.

That was last Friday.

The next day, on Saturday, I was scheduled to help my local Christian radio station with an event sponsored by The Salvation Army.  “Christmas in July” was held in a local park in an area of town that is far from affluent. 

The event offered free meals, giveaways, and fun activities, all of which helped reduce immediate financial and emotional stress for families while introducing them to services they may need, such as mortgage assistance, rent and utilities support, food assistance, and some family-support initiatives.

It was clear these families were carrying heavy burdens, struggling with basic needs that I’ve seldom had to think twice about.

What stood out most at this family event was the attitude of those who attended. You might expect to see frowns, tears, or bad moods given the challenges they face—but instead, there was laughter, energy, and a lightness that seemed to shine through despite their circumstances

The parents seemed to genuinely savor every moment of happiness their children displayed during the event.  What a wonderful reprieve from the heaviness that must often be an integral part of their lives.

What did I gain from helping at this event?

Perspective.

Not to be cliché, but I have so much to be grateful for in my life.  I could fill volumes if I started to list all the ways God has blessed me.

Thinking back on my Friday “spilled milk” attitude, I was reminded once again of the response God calls me to in the face of frustrating circumstances: to trust that he is with me in it all, that the battle has already been won in him, and to keep my circumstances in proper perspective.

Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 remind me that contentment isn’t about having everything go my way; it’s about trusting Christ in every situation.

Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” That’s the perspective I want, even on those days when spilled milk feels like the last straw.

In other words, literally, don’t cry over spilled milk!

But godliness with contentment is great gain,

for we brought nothing into the world,

and we cannot take anything out of the world.

1 Timothy 6:6-7