The Manna Mantra

People! I am determined to read the entire Old Testament. I guess I'll say it: I've never read the entire book of scripture. (You can all gasp now, if you'd like). Anyone else have this OT struggle? Because it is hard for me to get into it. But I think I've figured out the key: you need to read it along with the Sunday School and/or Institute manual, because otherwise you drown in the "begats" and other befuddled symbolism of Isaiah, Psalms, and Leviticus.

Anyway, there are some really neat things to draw upon when it comes to the Old Testament and here's my latest takeaway, or mantra from the scriptures.

Go to Numbers 11. This was one of the times that the Children of Israel complain about the abundance of manna and the lack of meat. The Lord provided manna to them as they wandered in the wilderness but that was never good enough for them. As they say in verse 4, "Who will give us flesh to eat?" Then they go on to say, "we remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick. But now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all beside this manna, before our eyes."

In other words, they'd rather be slaves again in Egypt so they can devour some melon again. Sheesh.

It's easy to judge their feelings and contempt because we know the end from the beginning. We know that because of their incessant complaining, they wander for 40 years in the wilderness. As I read this account, I'm shouting at the pages:

"People, just be grateful for the manna! Don't complain and you'll reach the promised land in no time. Oh, and by the way, don't worship any more golden calves while you're at it."

It seems so easy-peasy to us because we know what comes next in the story of the Children of Israel. But in my lovely life of mine, I have no idea what comes next. It's easy for me to complain about my own manna because who knows when I'll get to eat the meat. It's easy for me to recall the days when things were plentiful and my own metaphorical meat allowed me to thrive. Retrospect is golden...or deceiving at times.

Essentially, this story has allowed me to reflect on what my current "manna" is. Am I grateful for it? Do I thank the Lord for what he currently gives me? Do I make the best of my manna? Or do I scorn it? Despise it? Cry about it? And complain about it?

I am definitely not insinuating that this constant state of gratitude should be executed with 110% perfection. Because we are not perfect people and I know I have my "woe is me" moments. Honestly, they happen and it's ok, so don't be hard on yourself. However, I am insinuating that being aware of our own "manna" can empower us to "find joy in the journey," "be happy where you're planted," and all of those other cliches that my mother tells me on a very regular basis (and yes...they're true, thanks mom).

So when you're feeling like "the grass is greener on the other side," just remember to be grateful for your manna. Who knows when we will arrive at our own "promised land?" Also here's one thing that I have started believing in; with the help of some scriptures, prophets, and Sister Oaks:  

Our promised land will be that much more promising because of the attitude we choose to embody during our manna moments.

I hope I made sense. I just gave some serious metaphors and parallels...