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Scrooged: An Attitude of Gratitude

December 21st, 2013 by Michael Dyet

Hmmm, as Christmas approaches, I realize there is more reason than ever to check my petty grievances at the door of my good fortune.

Last Sunday morning, as I started my car to go to church, that annoying “check engine” light came on. I cursed under my breath and did what we all do when that happens. I turned off the car, crossed my fingers and turned it back on hoping that the problem would just go away.

My wish was granted – no light. I thought I was off the hook. But wishful thinking seldom holds up. About 30 seconds later, the irritating light came back on as if to mock me for my naiveté. And then the griping began.

That’s just great! I’ll have to go to the dealership tomorrow morning. What crappy timing! I have an advertisement that has to be completed and submitted tomorrow and an afternoon meeting I can’t miss. I’ll get in late and my whole day will be stressful trying to catch up.

And my car just rolled over the 100,000 kilometre mark so the warranty is done. What are the odds? Why couldn’t that damn light have come on 400 kilometres earlier?

Then a little voice in my head piped up.

Hold on here. Before you go griping any more, take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture. Would you rather this happened next week on Christmas Eve? Then you wouldn’t be able to get to your father’s place for Christmas.

I had to grudgingly admit that the timing, while inconvenient and frustrating, could have been worse. But I was still ticked off that my Monday would be messed up.

And while I’ve got your attention, you’re always going off on anti-technology rants. But aren’t you glad that someone figured out a way to tell you there is a problem before your car breaks down on the highway?

It was tough not to concede that point. The technology behind the “check engine” light is certainly something to applaud. However, I still felt entitled to bitch a little.

Not ready to get off your gripe platform yet? Well, don’t you feel blessed that you earn a good standard of living and can afford a car? Admit it, when you drive by those people shivering in the bus shelters, you’re grateful you’re not one of them.

The little voice was becoming annoying now because it was spoiling my perfectly good Scrooge impersonation. I was unwilling to entirely surrender my self-righteous point of view.

Going down swinging, are you? Do I need to point out how fortunate you are that you have good health that allows you to keep the good job that allows you to have the car that keeps you out of the cold on winter mornings? Can I rest my case now?

I finally conceded that the “check engine” light was an apt, albeit slightly irritating, metaphor for the fact that my blessings are many and my misfortunes few. It was time to check my “Why is this happening to me?” refrain and replace it with an attitude of gratitude for all that I have in a world where so many are much less fortunate than I.

~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog.

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