COMPLAINING

 

     Complaining. It's something we all do. Some more than others. Some complain about work and church. Some about their family or their neighbors. Some, well, they just can't help it but all they do is complain. "It's hot out. My boss is annoying me. I can't believe I have to spend Thanksgiving with my brother-in-law. My car keeps breaking down. I wish my company would give me a raise." You all know what I mean. We have all been there! 

     While serving as a Chick Fil-A manager, I heard several complaints from guests. One guest, while I was collecting money at the drive thru window called corporate on me because I wouldn't give him 37 sauces. He ordered 2 meals. 37 sauces is very excessive. Would you agree? Another guest wanted to challenge me to a fight because he decided to change his order last minute to a large meal after I already took his money. I kindly made a suggestion to him that the next time he orders, just make sure you say, "I want a large meal." He didn't like that and asked if I would meet him out back after work. Apparently, he was "on the spectrum" and no, he was not in the parking lot when I left work that day. I also heard several people complain their orders were wrong and my all-time favorite was always, "Excuse me, I didn't get fries with my Chick Fil-A sandwich entree."  Exactly! 

     I am not writing about others complaining. I am writing about us. Yes! That person you see when you look in the mirror. Have you ever been around someone who constantly complains? Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing and joining in? As a young pastor who didn't know any better, I made the mistake of meeting with a board member and sharing with him my "frustrations." I did not agree with how things were going and I thought it would make a difference. Maybe just maybe changes would be made. They weren't. I was about 29 years old, and I regret ever meeting with this board member. My "complaining" got me nowhere. To this very day, I have learned to stop myself whenever I complain. I have a select few people I do confide in whenever I do need to vent. Complaining gets us nowhere. So, what is complaining? Mr. Google says its, "The expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something." We are all human. We all complain. Trust me when I say there are several times in my life when I was dissatisfied with a job, a church or a family situation. Being very young, I would complain excessively hoping at least my complaining would make a difference. As an almost 62-year-old man, I will let you know from experience that COMPLAINING GETS YOU NOWHERE! Sure, you might feel better venting, but it will not change the situation.

     The bible does talk about complaining. In fact, God encourages us to complain to him. Psalm 142:1, 2 says, "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble." So, to wrap up this blog, I want to encourage you all to take a break from complaining Do you have a complaint? Talk to God about it! Psalm 142 tells us to "pour out our complaint and tell him our troubles." God wants to hear our "complaints" even if they might seem very petty. I have had several times in my car and during my quiet time when I have let God know my complaints and frustrations, especially when it comes to finances. I have always felt better when my rant was over. I'm so glad God never turns a deaf ear to us! Thank goodness he doesn't say, "Wow! I really wish he would stop his nonsense and grow up!" Thank you, God, for loving us in spite of our complaining!

     I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED WEEK! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!