“So you want to go back to Egypt” is a humorous song about the Israelites' constant whining in the wilderness (Number 11:4-6). Instead of being grateful for God's provision, the lyrics illustrate their complaints about the monotony of manna: manna-waffles, manna-burgers, manna-cotti, and bamanna bread.
Forgetting their rescue from slavery in Egypt and their former hunger in the wilderness, the Israelites saw manna as boring - “too much of a good thing.”
They represent a prevalent human condition: our tendency to complain about our blessings instead of being thankful.
My friend Kim recently faced a problem with “too much of a good thing.” While serving a group of formerly-homeless elderly folks in Romania, Kim’s team bought too many bananas.
They could have complained and let half of the bananas spoil, but they were a thankful group and God showed them how to turn the situation into an opportunity.
They made huge pans of banana bread and the 70 elderly people they served were surprised and thoroughly pleased. In their austere lives, these needy men and women were given a chance to taste something new and they loved it!
It makes me think of Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
When faced with challenges, we can complain or be thankful. We can see things as problems or we can "rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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If you'd like to find out more about Kim's ministry to at-risk seniors, check out her Facebook page here: Elder Orphan Care.
Thank you for the reminder to always be appreciative!
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