One of my pleasures is packing up my camping gear, hooking up my boat, and taking off for a couple of weeks of camping and fishing. What an opportunity to be still and reflect on my own life and to wonder at God's majesty.

Early this year, I took one of these trips. But I was disappointed when this anticipated "vacation" was accompanied by extreme heat, constant rain-even flooding-and poor fishing.

When I got home, my oldest daughter called to ask how the vacation was. I immediately began complaining about all of the disasters of my trip. After fifteen minutes of complaining, I stopped. And my daughter slowly said, "Dad, you know, there are so many people in this world who don't have a warm house and a dry bed to come back to." I was shocked at my own lack of perspective, my own selfishness.

Each day, now, I remember my daughter's unforgettable wisdom. I determine to see the blessings that the Lord has given and to be thankful rather than complain.