Things to Complain About
In their song "Good Life", One Republic asks the question - "...please tell me, what there is to complain about?" Mind you I might be taking that quote totally out of context but I *shrug* at the right now because it works for all intents and purposes of this current post. So as I was saying before I hit you with that disclaimer, One Republic asked that question, and I for one could easily come up with plenty to complain about. Especially today!
Now. Let me throw in another disclaimer, or two, right here.
This is the first time in a very long while that I'll be quoting Bible verses in a post. At the heart of every post is who I am and I am a person who genuinely Loves JESUS! So naturally every post echoes that in some way. But it stands out in my mind that I haven't included any Bible verses in my last few posts. Mostly because I was pressed for time when writing them. But no excuses. This post comes to "remedy" that. :winks at you: That was disclaimer number 1.
Disclaimer number 2 is actually an a personal observation about myself. Today I successfully stepped outside of my emotions in the moment. You might not understand so let me tell you. I had a rough time understanding my emotions growing up. I feared being overly emotional. I didn't care for it. Usually I would just stifle and suppress my emotions, which caused them to grow more intense and bubble up and explode, which made me...yeap, you guessed it, "overly emotionally". Have you ever heard people say "The issue Is you?" Well, if you haven't, now you have. And yeah that about sums up the truth of my emotional struggles. I was creating my own problem. Finding stability and balance in my emotions and just getting to know them and my reactions that stem from them, has a been a big part of my journey so far.
But back to the complaints at hand!
Today gave me so much to complain about, probably something from every area of life. In spite of that though, GOD gave me even more to be grateful about.Starting with His Word!
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27.
What a reminder! That was ringing in my heart every time I even thought about complaining today, which, to be honest was a heck of a lot! Sure some of the things were to be expected like my boyfriend going away for however long and the kiddies on the job acting up. But other things were unexpected like newly discovered and unwelcomed changes financially. But that verse that I only recently committed to memory was a sober reminder that WHATEVER Happens(expected or unexpected, good or bad, in times of peace, in times of chaos), even when things seem out of my control, I still have the ability to conduct myself in a way that brings glory to GOD. And today that is exactly what I chose to do.
It was a choice! A decision and conclusion that I came to using my mind. And juno I keep it honest, so I'm not afraid to say that initially my feelings weren't having it! But as I stated in Disclaimer number 2 :winks atchu again: I was able to step outside of my feelings! And when I did that I was able to successfully examine them, acknowledge them and then deal with them. Please don't think I'm trying to say my emotions were less intense because I recalled one Bible verse, one time. Oh no! I had to continuously speak it over to myself today to make it through the day and to help ensure that I was conducting myself in a way that was pleasing to God. Frankly, that "conducting" included repenting for wanting to complain and for initially being moody. True things!
The ability to find the blessing in my day comes from God alone. Literally, I knew HE was with me and that He heard me when I called out to Him and that brought a peace and a sanity that I really needed today!
I did more than simply, "look on the bright side." I focused on "The Light of the World" (JESUS).
Knowing that GOD was with me gave me the ability to look for His handiwork and favor despite the "obvious" things to complain about. And I was able to find those things! For one, He didn't wipe me off the face of the earth those times past when I did succumb to temptation and complained. LOL. This evening I didn't have to worry about dinner, which helps with saving money.
God is with me (Because I'm with HIM). I have enough. My needs are met. I can even help with some of the needs of others. That's a blessing!
To some it may not be glamorous, no miraculous financial compensation and maybe sure nothing extraordinary happened but knowing that I had the ability to remain grateful and had the ability to focus on the goodness of God is enough to make me shout!
Because I know that by myself I'm unable to see the good when the not-so-good (or "not-so-ideal", at least from my perspective) seems to stick out like an eyesore.
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him." Philippians 2:13.
Amen. God is at work in me! I had the desire to conduct myself in a way that was worthy and not only that but I had the power and ability to do so. And I made it! Most of today lies behind me. A new day is just up a head. And whatever happens in the remainder of tonight and in the days before me, I will conduct myself in a way that lets others know that I put my total trust in my Faithful Creator because I have been assured that all things are working for my good because I love HIM and I've been called according to His purpose.
So don't take the easy way out in answering "What is there to complain about?" Instead, think of all the things you have to be grateful for. I promise you that even if it doesn't put a pep in your step, at the very least it will get you through the day.
Until Next time Pilgrims. Grace & Peace to you!!
-CM