Gratefully Satisfied

So, back in February, I briefly wrote about how you can combat complaining through humility and gratitude. I had said I'd write more about it "next week" however it's been about two months, so I thank you immensely for your patience and pray this post was worth the wait. The post on humility can be found here.

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Complaining can be so easy. Especially if we allow the negative mindset to shade our reality, leading us to a life of discontentment. Another way to overcome complaining is when we choose to focus on being grateful. Gratitude changes the way we perceive our circumstances.

In my current work experience, we work in a team-based environment. Now, when I think of "team", I think... we should all work together, pull our own weight and contribute as often as possible to make our workplace better. But sometimes others just don't live up to the expectations I have put in my mind for them, and in turn I start to grumble, complain, and whine because I find myself doing more than they are. It's really unattractive to be constantly complaining, no one around me really wants to hear it, and it doesn't help with getting the work done either.
But when I choose to keep a grateful attitude, it honestly doesn't even bother me that I carry more of the work load some days, because I'm choosing to remind myself it's on God's strength in which I am able to do my job and do it well. After all, I'm working for God Himself first and foremost. 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men...” 

Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

"give thank in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

When we allow discontentment to rule our hearts, we will always be miserable. Instead of grumbling and complaining, we are to praise God... Giving thanks for who He is, what He's done and what He says He'll do. 

This truth, of course, relates to more than work: whether we are at home, the doctors office, school, sport events, bank lines; while we drive, take the bus, or when our flight is delayed; hanging out with friends, or even not-so friendly people; if we're chilling at home alone on a Friday night; whatever the case, we can choose to be grateful. 

And there are so many things to be grateful for!  The air we breathe, the ability to feed and dress ourselves... the fact that I was able to write this blog and you're able to read it right now is something I'm grateful for!

And when we choose to be grateful, there will be joy in our hearts and ultimately we will be living in the will of God in Christ Jesus for us! Joy is so much better than discontentment. So let not complain... but rather give thanks to God in all circumstances.

Book suggestion:
"Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss