American Suffering

A couple of men at church started saying this catchy phrase every time someone was caught complaining about "problems" or every time someone whined about something insignificant. It made me think of what I think suffering is. Truth is, I don't really know.
Even after moving out of my mom's house and being on my own, I have never been in a state of not having absolutely anything to eat, I have always had a roof over my head, I have always had the essentials...even through not having much growing up, God always provided enough...and more sometimes.
For the past week I've been stressed out with school and just tired physically which has opened the door to frustration and impatience. I came home last night in a bad mood since I was sleep deprived. I remembered I had defrosted some chicken days before, so I decided to cook that so it wouldn't go bad. As I opened the fridge, I was bombarded with food everywhere. My mood worsened because there was simply too much of it and there was no room to put in anything else.
American suffering.
I was humbled right then and there. I felt so selfish complaining to myself about all the food and no space. My cheeks blushed at the thought of someone hearing my thoughts. My heart broke as I thought of a child from a third world country taking a look inside my refrigerator. I thought of people even a couple of miles from me, in Mexico, that don't see this much food every day. My heart hurt.
I repented and I prayed, I thought of all the things I own. I have definitely seen people who have much more than I do, but I was still convicted. I own too much. I was reminded that I have not been called to a life of wealth or possesions. God showed me that I am clinging on to my things and that isn't glorifying Him.
I felt ashamed for being selfish even in my prayers. God reminded me of the story of the rich ruler who couldn't let go of his earthly possesions. He showed me how blessed I really am and how much more His heart hurts for the needy.
God has called me to help meet people's needs. He has called me to offer the hope that is only found through Jesus. People around me aren't necessarily in need of food or clothes, they're in need of a Savior.
God has called ALL of His people to this. The problem is we're too busy holding on to our things, making money to get more things, and becoming prideful because of the things we have. Church, we're missing it.