Forgive me... when I whine

by Mary Ray

The Even before getting out of bed, I knew that it was not going to be a “fair dinkum” day. How could it be? My husband, James, was in Papua New Guinea; both of our children had the mumps, which meant that I would be confined to the house for a “fortnight” as the Australians would say.

To add to my misery, it was raining and I was suffering from the malady that all missionaries face from time to time—HOMESICKNESS. It was going to be a long two weeks. I felt I had adjusted quite well to the “Aussie” accent and could actually carry on a conversation without constantly saying, “I beg your pardon.” I had learned that a “chook” was a chicken, a “scone” was like a biscuit, a “biscuit” was a cookie, “evening tea” was supper, and “supper” was a “snack.” After totally embarrassing myself numerous times, I had also learned that some words that we said in America were “rude” words in the land of Down Under.

Driving on the “left” side of the road had almost begun to feel normal, and Christmas was still Christmas even though it came in the middle of their summer and was usually about 110 degrees. Our family had finally accepted the fact that just before the bananas on our banana tree ripened that the “flying foxes” would gather them before we did. We could only imagine how wonderful they would have tasted.

In spite of finally feeling somewhat adjusted to a new culture, I still had days when the “longing for home” could overwhelm me if I did not remind myself of what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:5 about...bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. This was definitely one of those days.

Climbing out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen to make breakfast, grumbling all the way. Standing at the sink, I gazed at the rain falling on the street below. It was then that I saw her. Robin, our little neighbor girl, who lived across the street, was standing in the rain. I wondered if her mother knew she was there. She was neatly dressed in her school uniform. Her hat that was worn to protect her gentle skin from the hot Australian sun was on the ground. Her port (school bag) was lying next to it.

Leaning closer to the window, I saw her twirling around and around; the bottom of her little checked pinafore uniform was flowing gracefully around her knees. Her arms were outstretched and her hands were turned upward as if she were waiting for a precious gift. Her head was tilted back and the rain was gently falling on her face. I was mesmerized by the expression on her face. I had never seen such a look of utter joy and happiness.

Robin was still twirling around in the rain when a car pulled into the driveway. She grabbed her hat and her port and happily skipped to the car where the driver opened the door and tucked her safely into the back seat. I watched as the driver maneuvered the vehicle slowly down the street on his way to transport his BLIND PASSENGER to school.

As the car disappeared from my sight, I felt an overwhelming sense of shame; I humbly asked the Lord to forgive me. I had considered the rain a blight on my already miserable day, but Robin had considered it a joy and delight. After making my peace with the Lord, I decided that it was going to be a good day, A VERY GOOD DAY!

That scene has replayed in my mind many times through the years and when it does, I often quote a beautiful and familiar poem that I have memorized. The poem and the Scripture verse This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24) are always great ATTITUDE ADJUSTERS for me.

God, forgive me when I whine

Author Unknown

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl
With golden hair,
I envied her, she looked so nice,
And I wished I were so fair.

When suddenly she stood to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch
But as she passed . . . a smile.

God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two feet the world is mine.

When I stopped to buy some sweets,
The lad who sold them had such charm,
I stayed and talked a while.
If I were late, it would do no harm.

“Thank you for stopping,” he said.
“You have been so very kind,
I like to talk with folks like you.”
“You see,” he said, “I am blind.”

God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two eyes the world is mine.

Later, while walking down the street,
I saw a lovely child with eyes of blue,
He stood and watched the others play.
It seemed he knew not what to do.

I watched a moment and then I said,
“Why don’t you join the others, dear?”
He looked ahead without a word,
And then I knew he could not hear.

God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two ears the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I would go,
With eyes to see the sunset glow,
With ears to hear what I should know,
I am blessed indeed, the world is mine.
God, forgive me when I whine.

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