Why, "Trying to Shine"

You might be wondering why my blog is entitled, "Trying to Shine."  Well, the truth is, it is hard to shine.

Matthew 5:14-16 reads, " ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  


So clearly we are suppose to SHINE and I have often spoke about the fact that as Christians, when people look at us, they should see that we are different, they should see that light of Christ.  And in the darkest of times, it is even more important to shine because they can't help but be drawn to the Light, just as you are drawn to the light of a flashlight on a dark path.  But, it isn't always EASY to shine....  Take yesterday for example, I was cruising down the back roads on my way to work, singing along with John Wallers, "While I'm Waiting" when it struck me that I was driving well over the speed limit.  Now what kind of example or testimony, especially in light of the song, was that?  
Or today, I spent much of the day complaining about this science fair that my kids have to do.  I have 3 kids that are currently at the science fair age, and it is an annual thing in our town starting in 7th grade and ending in 12th.  It is not something I look forward to, ever.  To compound the issue this year, days ago my 13 year old's jump drive, with the completed project, was stolen.  You can bet I complained about that to anyone who would listen.....but, what I didn't do is pray.  Not once did I pray for the teachers who have put a lot of time and energy into the science fair set up, grading, teaching, etc.  Not once did I pray for the child, whom God created, that stole the jump drive.  Reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do" (Romans 7:15)
Can anyone else relate to this?  I mean besides Paul and I?  :)