Lessons In Misery: Blame Others for Your Problems

In order to be truly miserable, you must be at the top of your blame-game. When you are faced with challenges or problems, don't take personal responsibility.

There once was an older gentleman named Marion who was worried that his wife was losing his hearing. One night when he was home, he decided to test it. That evening as he sat in his big comfy chair he called out, "Ida, please bring me a glass of water." There was dead silence. He called to her louder, "Ida, please bring me a glass of water." Again, no response! Finally he said very loudly, "Ida, please bring me a glass of water!" At last she showed up at his side and said, "My, my, my Marion, I've answered you three times. What do you want?"1 This gentlemen realized that someone's hearing was going out--but it wasn't his wife's!

Jesus taught us to "consider the beam that is in [our] own eye"2  before looking to the fault of others. Happy people have problems and challenges, but they choose to do something about them rather than blaming or finding fault in those around them. Instead of seeking out how they can be a victim, they find solutions so that they can come out victor!

1. See Raising Up a Family To the Lord, Gene R. Cook, 38-39
2. Matthew 7:3