Growing Bitter or Better

“How are you Dearie, and what did you do this week?” asked a lady with a crackly voice.

Several years ago, on a weekly basis, my cousin Mae and I went to see my grandmother at a nursing home. While there, we also chatted with other residents. We noticed that some of the residents were a delight to visit with. They were joyful about life in general, even though their bodies had problems. They appreciated the time spent with them and didn’t make any demands upon us. They were interested in us, our lives, and the world around them.

A few of the residents complained about any and everything and therefore were not pleasant to be around. They demanded our time. They weren’t interested in anything except how terrible life was treating them. They indulged in pity parties regularly.

“People seem to grow bitter or better as they grow older,” Mae commented, as we left the facility. “I don’t want to be one of those who grow bitter.”

Feeling sorry for myself never makes me a better person. Instead I have to choose to appreciate life and focus on God and other people instead of my problems.

The choice of being bitter or better presents itself on a regular basis.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)