Joel M Bradshaw

4The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”–Numbers 11

I remember a cringe-worthy episode in the first year of my marriage. We didn’t have a lot of money at the time, but Jen surprised me with a new suit. It had a unique cut to it that I immediately didn’t like. In the moment, I was disappointed and I threw it on the couch. I complained that I didn’t like the suit and I huffed away. I was a selfish jerk in that moment and I communicated that I didn’t appreciate the thoughtfulness of my wife.

Even though God literally supplied daily bread for them, the Israelites complained about the menu! They longed for the produce section of Egypt, but conveniently forgot the slavery they were once in!

I had an opportunity back then to show loving gratitude for my amazing wife, and I messed it up completely! Our past gives us moments from which we should learn and grow. I like to think that I receive thoughtful gifts better in marriage year 20. And ironically, that suit I initially despised would actually become my favorite one! Would Israel keep on complaining throughout their first year of “marriage” with God. Would they learn from their selfish attitudes?–JMB