disappointed?

every so often, in the last few months or so especially, I have been provoked to realising how little I make of the opportunities which present themselves through life's daily irritations, injustices and restrictions to become more like Jesus... I keep reading of and hearing these people (like Joni Eareckson Tada for example) who in the midst of great suffering (e.g. being imprisoned for their faith or suffering total paralysis ) actually managed to turn these into an opportunity to rely on God more ... indeed I have met people who just through living in a Bible college community have been inescapably confronted with their need to be more Christ-like because of all the incredibly irritating things that this lifestyle means you have to deal with (not least the other students and the living conditions).

... and yet, when I am aware of difficulties in my life (especially when I think my peers are getting a better deal) my first reaction is to draw attention to how hard done by I am - either through straight out moaning, or by making sarky comments or jokes at my 'oppressors' expense... I'm gutted I haven't allowed God to make more of the opportunity at Wycliffe to turn those things into challenges, and hurdles to jump over, to become fitter in my spiritual life and give thanks for that... and now I've realised this, I'm not sure what to do engage with it, either for myself or how to encourage my fellow students to do this with me...

any wisdom?