Choosing not to be a Grumbler
I’ve been grumbling a lot this past week.
Out loud and often, about one particular thing I’m frustrated about.
It doesn’t matter what I was complaining about – although some of you are nodding your heads and thinking, “I’ve been listening to your grousing. Enough, already!”
It’s so easy to get upset about things, especially when we feel so right, so justified, about our complaints. And it’s also so easy to get vocal about our feelings – to talk, talk, talk about how we’ve been wronged. Inconvenienced. Put out. Mistreated.
We’re just venting, right? Getting it out so we feel better.
But then we have another opportunity with another family member or friend to circle back around and voice the same grievances. Replay the same injustices.
We stir up the negative emotions again. We get annoyed while we explain why we’re right and the other person is wrong. How we would have done it (more) right. How we should have said no instead of yes – which might be true, but really isn’t the point anymore.
Our grumbling exhausts us. Crankiness wears us out both emotionally and physically.
Even worse, we dump our negativity on other people.
Friends and family, I’m sorry for some of my words this past week. For being a grumbler.
I’m determined to do better.
When my attitude starts heading south, I need to anchor it to truths that help me stay positive.
Pastor John Piper says, “Do all things without grumbling. Why? You have a sovereign God who is on your side, who works everything together for your good.”
Remembering that God is for me and that he is working all things out for my good? That anchors my emotions. (Psalm 56:9; Romans 8:28)
My author friend Tricia Goyer wrote The Grumble Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members; One Impossible Goal. In her book, Tricia says, “Complaining is wanting our way without treating others—or God—with respect.”
Whoa.
Just that one sentence changes my perspective about grumbling. I’d never thought about my complaining being disrespectful toward others … and toward God. But if I’m grumbling about someone, I’m certainly not lifting them up. And if I’m complaining about God, then I’m doubting him and his ability to come through for me.
Well, this is my “be honest” blog for the week. It feels good to admit I have had less than shining moments. But more importantly, I’m pushing reset today. Just for today. Attitude adjustments are best taken one day, one hour, at a time.
Choosing not to be a Grumbler http://bit.ly/39nFguu #attitude #choices
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'Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.' Quote by Winston Churchill http://bit.ly/39nFguu #nogrumbling #attitude
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