My daughters and I have been watching the X-Factor this season. I think we enjoy watching shows like this because we get to see the “under-dog” win! There’s something about the underlying message that gives us all hope; to watch the most unlikely people whose lives have not been easy,  be discovered possessing great talent, and to later, see them “arise to the occasion” – it inspires us with hope not to give up.

A few episodes ago, I found the show difficult to watch. Elimination is tough, and to remain on the show each week, two contestants with the lowest votes “battle it out” with a final singing competition. On this particular episode, what they both really battled was their own attitude – or rather, lack of gratitude. Paula “called them on the carpet” pointing out that they were each getting an opportunity of a lifetime.

Deep down I hurt for them; they both had gifts and abilities to share and use, but just because they were on the bottom of the public’s votes, their negative attitude was written all over their faces and body. The female even sang “Amazing Grace.” I have no right to “pluck the plank”, when I have a log in my own eye at times, but her attitude took away from her being connected with the song. (And Astro – we can give him a little grace; he’s young and maybe not mature enough to handle the pressure). But he openly confessed on the show, he’d rather not be there at all if he wasn’t going to win or had to be on the bottom of the rankings.

As I was watching his immature behavior, it was like soap in my mouth. I wanted to spit it out! What was most difficult for me – is that what I saw – was sadly a dim reflection of my own heart. I’ve had this same attitude at times! I thought to myself, “I’m just not courageous enough to say it out loud and tell how I really feel.” I’ve wanted to quit when I wasn’t chosen or favored by the majority. I cannot say I’ve never had an Astro Attitude.

“Lord, forgive me” – I’ve pouted when I wasn’t chosen, instead of being thankful for the opportunities that I do have in my life.

Listening to a pastor recently, he told the audience to say to God (and I think it applies to all of us) “Thank you God for where I am in my life. Use me for your glory.” I needed to hear that myself and pray along with the same attitude of gratitude. I repeated the saying as I realized doors are opening and opportunities are ahead for me exactly at the pace God would have me – to teach, speak, and minister to women – a dream slowly coming to reality for me. Why is it such a struggle to always want to be advancing faster than we’re actually ready for?

On the following show of the X-Factor, LA Reynolds pointed out Astro’s struggle – his passion. Astro’s passion to sing and share his gifts drove him to complete disappointment when he wasn’t the best. On the flip side, our passion is a powerful gift when it’s conveyed with humility.

Speaking of passion – as we remember the birth of Jesus, we often hear about the birth of John the Baptist. John the Baptist had a passion to prepare the way for Jesus, proclaiming to the world a Savior had come to us.  Jesus had said of John, “No one was greater than John, yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28) This saying is packed – and it may take many layers to unfold the deeper revelation, but I just had the thought prior to hearing this, that in reference to whatever and wherever God calls us – in God’s economy, maybe it’s “great” in his eyes to be called to “small.” Maybe it’s greater to be “the least of all.” God’s ways are not man’s ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8) Ministering to the “least of these” – a lonely neighbor in need, a friend going through divorce, teaching children in Sunday school, praying over the phone with someone who is sick, a note to say “thank you” for someone’s help… called to small just might be great to God.

I think most importantly – it’s all in the attitude. In keeping a thankful heart – everybody wins! Thanksgiving prepares the way for God to show us his salvation. (Psalm 50:23) This Christmas season – give God a gift and celebrate Jesus’ birth with a grateful heart.

Pray with me, “Lord, thank you for where I am in my life. Use me for your glory. Amen.”