Worthwhile Words

Do people who constantly complain annoy you? Ever meet someone who is never satisfied? I have noticed recently, that I am surrounded by people who complain a lot and are never satisfied. Honestly, that isn't really what bothers me. What I have noticed are the completely innocuous things we complain about. Let me give you some examples of things I hear people complain about or they just do not like: Other people, the way food is prepared, having not enough work to do OR having to actually do work, the weather, etc. I have also noticed that not only are these topics of complaints, but that these are the major topics of ordinary conversation of those around me who complain. In other words, if they aren't complaining, they aren't speaking. Conversation is a lost art. People seem to have nothing to talk about but the things that annoy them (like this post!).

Which leads me to the question: Are our lives so spiritually empty that we have nothing to talk about but complain about things that we cannot change or that do not matter? Do we have so little understanding of the people and world around us that we cannot make an impact at changing the environment around us with a different attitude? There are topics and times of legitimate complaint, do not misunderstand me, but if complain about these things is all you do then you may need to do a little soul searching.

I used to complain a lot more than I do now. With the events of my life over the last few years I have come to understand that I am not in control and that what comes into my life comes from God. Do I accept everything gladly? Absolutely not. I complain, but I usually complain to God. But I must admit a good venting to a friend at times helps!

May I suggest that there are some things worth complaining about. I understand that the chicken not being "brown" enough, or stating that "it's hot" five times in an hour when it's 95 degrees, or lamenting that children do not sit still, be quiet, and behave are life changing events that warrant a great deal of time and thought to express. But may I suggest some other topics of complaint? One topic of complaint that I feel we can discuss with each other and take directly to God is the fact that I (meaning each of us) am not where I need to be spiritually. That is a major topic that should be thought of and dealt with daily. I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to help me walk this path God has laid before me. Hebrews 10:24 tells us to encourage or provoke one another to love and good works. Galatians 6:2 says to bear one another's burdens and help your sibling in Christ. Another topic of complaint could be that I (meaning each of us) struggle with sin. 1 John 1:9 tells us to confess our sins and that God will forgive AND cleanse us from these sins. Maybe another topic could be that I (meaning each of us) do not love God or others enough. I still too often want my way or want things to suit me and no one else. Luke 10:27 tells me to love God with all I have AND to love my neighbor like I love my self. Or maybe complain that I (meaning each of us) do not know scripture well enough. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells me to be diligent to show that I can handle accurately God's word.

These are just some suggestions about things that we can complain about, feel free to edit as you wish. Because Lord knows I don't know what I am talking about! I would be better off just not writing these posts that no one ever reads! I mean, seriously? Why would I waste my time writing this nonsense when no one will read it anyway? I take all this time and effort and thinking (which is difficult for me anyway) and then I link it on Facebook and does anyone read it? NOOOO!! Maybe just the two people that receive it by email. They MIGHT read it, and even then who knows? Last time I posted something I wrote on Facebook I lost two friends anyway! Maybe I should just post all my garbage up on Facebook and lose all my friends! Yeah that's it! I think I will! Who needs friends anyway? I mean, seriously!?! Right? I am gonna stop writing now. I am beginning to annoy myself with all this complaining!