In this weekend’s snowstorm, the power flickered, the internet and satellite tv went down, and the roads were too treacherous to go anywhere (most places were closed anyway). Based on many Facebook posts, Tweets, and my children’s behavior, one would believe the snowpolocypse had indeed arrived. Losing these luxuries was simple proof that we are blessed to have such silly first world problems.

I said a small prayer of thanks that these were our biggest problems. I added a prayer of petition for the safety of the farmers, road crews, and first responders still out working in the hazardous conditions. We are so lucky to have these people serving our communities.

I also reflected on a recent phone conversation with my friend Kary.

She has taken over the Random Acts of Kindness Club at Fatima High School and we were discussing some opportunities for community service projects. Kary was excited about the contacts I shared with her and the ideas we came up with, but she shared that there has been a bit of a problem with getting a great turnout from her group members. “They are all just so busy with sports, jobs, friends, and other things,” she said, “All these kids are good kids; they just have too much going on.” I agreed that it was a problem, but at least we could be grateful that it was our biggest problem for the club.

“It’s just another first world problem,” I told her and she laughed.

Kary liked my reference to “first world problems” and we discussed just how lucky we are to suffer from things like too much junk mail in our inbox and all those darn clothes to fold. Life would be much emptier without anyone with which we can communicate or clothes to wear (much less have the facilities to launder them). Having too much to do is way better than feeling worthless and without direction.

Today I encourage you to remember that many of our daily dilemmas are the results of blessings. The facts that you have a home to clean, socks to sort, food to prepare, and family to drive you crazy are all significant reasons to stop our belly-aching and start saying thanks. Give the whining a break and smile at the homework that requires help (education is a gift), giggle at the groceries that need to be put away (you have food to eat), and stop stomping your feet because you only get the weekends off (you are employed and you have a reliable schedule to keep you motivated). Don’t let slow internet or poor cell phone reception wreck your day. Let the peace not having it brings and find positive ways to be productive in the meantime.

First world problems are something for which we should all be grateful because the other 2/3 of the world wish they had our shoes to wear.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Say a prayer today for those who wish they had our problems.