no complaints

I’ve been noticing an unhealthy trend at our house lately. No, I’m not talking about the Pop Tarts for breakfast or the potato chips with lunch (although those aren’t very good habits, either). I’m talking about what’s coming out of our mouths, not what’s going into them.

There have been far too many complaints swirling through the air around here. It seems like complaining just falls off the tongue so easily. The words disguise themselves in conversations and hide behind genuine wants and needs. They rob us of joy and contentment. They reveal our selfish hearts.

I could easily name some things that might be contributing to this heart problem. But, like most other negative issues that pop up, I should also take a good look at myself. Why is it that our kids seem to pick up (and amplify) every character flaw we possess? It’s really quite annoying. I mean, I can handle brushing my own sins under the carpet, but it’s hard to overlook the same sinfulness in my children.

So this week I am challenging myself to not complain. That’s right, no complaints. None. Impossible? Probably. Worth trying? Definitely.

I will force myself to look for the blessings hiding under the mess and clutter instead of grumbling about all the work I have to do. I will bless my husband by highlighting the positives from our day instead of sharing every little annoyance. I’ll praise God for the struggles, big or small, that drive me to the shadow of the cross.

And I’ll pray for grace. I have to admit that I’m a little nervous that I might learn some ugly truths about myself this week. Sometimes the truth hurts. But it also heals. By God’s grace.

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