The Pity Pit

The Rev. Nancy E. Gossling

August 9, 2020

Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28

The Pity Pit. It’s always tempting to throw ourselves into it for different reasons. Maybe we’re like the brothers of Joseph, jealous of their younger brother’s favored status with their father, feeling sorry for our “unloved” selves. Maybe we’re like Joseph, envious of the work that his brothers enjoy, and so we snitch on them. We report badly about them to “our father,” or obsess over unfair benefits. Perhaps even Israel knows the pity pit. Because of his declining years, he just can’t do things the way he did when he was younger.

Self-pity is a common temptation for us all. Especially during these pandemic and political times, it can be easy to feel a little sorry for ourselves. Nothing is the same. Everyone is doing it wrong. Anger and resentment rule our lives. We are critical and judgmental. What’s a person to do when we’ve fallen into the pity pit? When we’re having our own little pity party? 

Choose gratitude. Love the life you have on life’s terms. Keep your expectations realistic. Focus on yourself and not the actions and attitudes of others. Comparisons aren’t helpful, and incessant complaining only magnifies the problem. Don't “take” offense; and don't make mountains out of molehills. Shrug off the hurts, be good to yourself, and laugh a little with others. Dwelling on the past, which we cannot change, or imagining a future that may never happen, can drive us into the Pity Pit.

Today is all we have, how will we use it?