Complaining hurts my ears!

From the time our children are born it seems they complain.  As newborns they cry  (which seems like complaining to an overwhelmed mother) as a way of communicating their essential needs.  They need food, sleep, and diapers.  More often than not, they are crying because they want to be comforted and held.  

As our children grow, they continue to complain.  I could fill a book chapter with all the complaints my children have had this month.  Last night at dinner I about blew a gasket.  The baby complained about the chicken, my Kindergartner complained about the green beans, and my nine-year-old daughter fussed about the parmesan cheese on the noodle salad.  Not one person said thank you for anything.  It really makes my blood pressure soar when my kids complain about their dinner.  I am constantly aware of the World Vision children who we support who most likely had rice once on any given day.  That being said, I don't have much patience for their nit picking of the wonderful meals they are provided.  

I tend to focus on my chidren's complaining because I really want to change that behavior and the heart behind it.  Unfortunately, I see so much grumbling in adults as well.  Everywhere I look people are fussing and not happy with one thing or another.  That is why I find it to be such a pressing issue in my household.  I don't want these children to grow up to be unhappy, grumbling (hard to work with and hard to be around) adults.  

Philippians 2:14 says, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe."  

So the Bible does point out that people who don't complain ARE different.  Oh to shine like a star!  What a great and powerful way for us to stand out as his children.  I challenge you to share this verse with your children.  A few years ago we had a big, yellow star with this verse on it on our fridge.   Meal time is typically our complaining hour.  I think I might make a new star today!  I also challenge you to watch for your own complaining.  God is good, isn't he?  We want for nothing.  I'm not sure I always act like it.  How about you?  

Be lifted!

Sue