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 Click To Tweet 'Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.' Quote by Winston Churchill http://bit.ly/39nFguu #nogrumbling #attitude Click To Tweet
Comments 11
I cannot do this anymore,
I cannot keep the flag on high,
I know exactly what’s in store,
I now that I am going to die.
Lord, please let me face the end
with honour, or something just like that,
please let me, Lord, leave my friends
with a moral entrechat
that leaves them gasping with delight
that in the gloaming something lives;
that in the final fall of night
there’s something worthwhile left to give.
Lord, take me home, I am so ready,
but meanwhile, let my word be steady.
Author
Dear friend, You are not forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers each day — and in the the thoughts and prayers of so many. I know your words are steady — your desire to be steady is ingrained in you soul. Steady on, Andrew. Steady on.
Beth, thank you.
Very good post, and you were reading my mail in one area, too. I heard myself commenting on the same past injustice a bit too much recently and finally thought, get over it already. I’m talking to the Lord about that now and as you say (infer)in your good post, realize that some of those injustices are the kickstart to better life situations and I wouldn’t go back to the same old no matter what. I love your honesty, and you,. I did go to bed at 7:30 PM our time (unheard of but necessary) and slept until now. There’s still a little nausea so I’ll take things slow, but I’m not gonna complain about it. I’m gonna look for the tighter connection to the Lord and what he might be saying, plus get a bit more rest. I hope your Facebook party was great, I’m sure it was, sorry to miss it.God bless you in every area and your week!
Author
Dee, I was wondering what caused you to be up so early. I am continuing to pray the vertigo goes completely away. And yes, let us look for a tighter connection to the Lord and listen (LISTEN — my One Word for 2020) for what he might be saying.
Right now I think he is telling me to call it a night — or rather, a very early morning.
Thank you for sharing your struggle and reminding me that I need not grumble. I can so easily fall into it with one thing in particular. Sometimes it’s difficult to practice Phil 2:14 and be above reproach. I’m thankful for fellow sojourners who remind me to take it to the Lord in prayer!
Author
Anne: I’m so thankful we can walk this life together, friend, and encourage one another. 🙂
Ahhh, Beth. Yes, I’ve been the grumbler. And that attitude wears off on those around me . . . which is usually my boys. Things go south quickly when my attitude is “caught” by them. And, my attitude has been known to shut them down.
Thanks for this perspective shift about grumbling. I truly appreciate your wisdom and your transparency!
Author
Jeanne: I know your heart is to be an encourage and to love your family and your friends. You often encourage my faith, and help set my heart aright.
It’s so easy to fall into the pattern of grumbling if something goes wrong or if one is sick or something disappointing happens in one’s life. It’s then time to step back–after the realization–and correct it.
The knowledge of falling into the pattern and then changing it separates us from those going around life in a continual grumble.
Forgive yourself and move forward.
Author
Denise, I started to explain the reason for my grumbling, but decided not to go there. Oops. Almost did it again. The point is, for me, to change me, not anyone else. The only one I can change is me. And yes, forgive myself and move forward, not fall back into negative behavior.