Complaint Department

   Do you ever feel like you are in the complaint department?  Sometimes I'm first in line, other times I feel like I am at the counter being bombarded with murmurs and disputes.  I can't imagine what God must think at times.  We sure can be a gripey people.  Once I realize my attitude isn't where it should be, I will pray and get myself into a good mindset, head off to work and then wham - here it comes again.  Fussing and fighting amongst each other justifying each little grumble.  It might be the task that was assigned, or the amount of work given....it might be the time allowed or the lack of instruction....the list is endless.  We can come up with so many excuses.  If we could just make ourselves stronger than our excuses.  If it is important to us -we will find a way.  If not we'll find an excuse. 

"Do all things without murmings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world:  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."  Philippians 2:14-16

Brother Ray was our Sunday school teacher at a previous church and he always was so good about teaching about thanks.  He would often talk about how no matter the circumstance or situation - we should always try to give thanks.  He would mention things like getting stuck at a red light when you are running late - take time to thank God.  It might be a prevention of an accident if you would have been just a few seconds further up the road.  He would mention being thankful for having dishes to do, food to prepare, legs to walk, eyes to see, and so on.  God blesses us so often and gives us little miracles if we open our eyes to His work.  I think of the flat tire Charles got in the van - but it didn't blow out on the highway, it didn't happen in a bad part of town - it happened as he rolled into the Walmart parking lot where he could have it repaired.  When something seems hard, difficult, boring - try to find a way to be thankful.  It is much easier to avoid the murmurs and complaints.

Colossians 3:17
Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.

This always makes me think of this song by Charlotte Ritchie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ0-1MN1LWs

Lord--Help us to have a thankful attitude instead of moans and groans.