Taking that morning drive, the radio on low as two guys try to solve the world’s problems, all the while I don’t stop talking. It’s a good thing Hubs has two ears! Just when I don’t think he’s listening to me he says “woman, all you do is complain.” Now, believe me the quick thought of jackin his jaw did sail past my brain but, only for a second. My self-control mission of late is to “react with tact.” So in the silence, but only a moment of silence, I considered what I was saying. It truly was chatter that didn’t matter. I was going on and on about my dissatisfaction with the weather, my hot flashes, our carpooling schedule, my heartburn, and why he wasn’t wearing a jacket as it was raining. I quickly gave the right reaction, I chuckled and said “I ain’t complainin.” We drove the rest of the way feeling lighter and in silence.
If you find yourself going on and on….then join me and take a minute to listen to yourself, then ask yourself these questions. What am I saying and why am I saying it?
Maybe the answers to these will help you see that most of our chatter, really doesn’t matter. Being dissatisfied with little things can build up if we let them and then the complaining starts and we can get carried away. We can’t really fault someone for not wanting to hear it, and therefore our reaction to their dissatisfaction shouldn’t be harsh.
Lord, give us the wisdom to keep one hand over our mouth and the other in our pocket! In Jesus name Amen.
Your kind words are encouraging to all of us on the journey of being stirred but not shaken! Thanks for sharing!
I love reading your blog. Your little stories are full of wit, as well as truth. We think we are just talking ( being truthful about things ) but in reality it is often complaining about things that don’t amount to a hill of beans.
I recently have come to the realization that I can have ‘issues’ in life that are hard but are not serious ‘serious life’ issues. This realization has freed me from some stress in my life! Oh, I do not like the ‘issues’, but I have prayed, asked for forgiveness for my part ( if any ) and moved on.
If one chooses to be unforgiving, hold on to ‘issues’, then that is between them and God. I do my part to keep peace, love those God puts in my life, be truthful, and serve Him daily to the best of my ability.
Do I fail Him? Do I complain? Yes, I say with sadness. But grateful for a loving and forgiving God.
Julie, I admire how you use your every day ‘life’ issues to glorify our Lord and Savior! You have a wonderful way with words!