Looking at my memories this past week, I had to laugh at my article on first world problems. The problems I had then were a walk in the park compared to what I deal with now. Nevertheless, the message behind my article was important for me to remember, and for you to be encouraged.
Although I define first world problems in the article I mentioned, plainly put, they’re problems that greatly affect the outcome of our days, but put in perspective, they’re not that bad.
You can read about the first world problems I dealt with as a recent college graduate. My greatest first world problem as an employee is the commute to and from work. I’ve found that my commute to work is the deciding factor of how nice I’m going to behave at work. Now that school is out of session and there are less cars on the road, my commute to work is only fifteen minutes. I’ve noticed that I’ve definitely been more calm at work now, even cheerful. But during the school year, my commute can range from twenty to thirty-five minutes. Although it does not sound like a long time, the fact that there is a fifteen-minute window of time (where I can be fifteen minutes early or fifteen minutes late) can make it very difficult to plan my morning schedule.
This, in essence, is a first world problem, but it’s even beyond a first world problem. Some people in this country have to take the train, which could be a solid hour each way–as long as there are no delays. All of you who have to commute via the train must be cracking up at my so-called misfortune of my fifteen-minute drive to work.
First world problems are entirely based on perspective. What is a total nightmare to me, could be a wonderful opportunity for you. Maybe a longer commute to work could mean more time to listen to your audio book. Maybe your phone charger not working could yield an opportunity to catch up with your friend face-to-face. Maybe the fact that it’s raining when you’re about to fill up your gas tank could remind you not to run your car to the ground.
All in all, I’m thankful for my job. I’m thankful for my husband. I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for all the things that aren’t perfect, but have made my life better.
What things in your life have you taken for granted lately? Take some time to thank God for all the blessings He has given you. It says in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift is from above. To us, our circumstances may not be perfect, but in God’s perfect plan, He has you exactly where you need to be. And He will provide what you need, when you need it. Through every circumstance, you can find contentment in Him.
Life as a college graduate for me was such a struggle at first. My first twenty-something years of life had been preparing me for this moment, and yet I still had no clue what I was doing. If I could go back three years and tell myself one thing, it would be this: it gets better. Life takes some time to figure out, and while I can’t say I’ve completely mastered it, it seems to make a little more sense now. I pray if you are in a transitional period of your life, you would be encouraged by the process. You’ll get through this, and you’ll become stronger through the trials and confusions that life throws at you. God has a plan for you, and you have plenty of time and plenty of grace to navigate through it!
Elisabeth Warner 