Philippians 2:14
Do everything without grumbling or arguing.

Such a simple verse, but packed with a punch!

I hate to be around complainers, they are always grumbling about something and someone. They seem to suck the life right out of the room, their mission is to make everyone else join their sad wagon. People like this are hard to be around. I try really hard to be empathetic with complainers, I try to see their point of view. I try to listen and really get whatever it is that has then tied in knots, but I tend to be a perpetually “glass full” to overflowing type person, so it is hard for me. I have actually had is stated as a complaint that I am entirely too happy all the time and I do not worry enough! Scripture is clear about how God views worrying, Matthew 6: 35-34 [Do Not Worry]
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? …

So, my philosophy is this; NO worries, BE happy! I want desperately to be a light in a dark world, I want desperately for others to see Jesus in me. I feel I can say this with a lot of confidence; I am pretty sure Jesus was not a (Debbie downer). Think about it, if he had been I do not think others would have wanted to be found near him, spent time walking and talking with him. All men, the righteous, the liars, the losers, the cheats, and thieves all crowded near to The Lord. Men and woman gave up their lives to follow him. I do not believe for one moment they would be drawn to a grumpy and complaining person, they most certainly would not have left house and home to spend their time and resources on that type of person
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Clearly, I was not on this earth when Jesus walked it, but I can imagine that he laughed often, he had a joy that radiated from the inside, the kind that will make people take notice and want to be near you. I can imagine that he did not complain about people, circumstances or the why me moments. He had a contentment and joy that came from time spent with the Father.

Worrying and grumbling seem to go hand in hand. I have a suggestion, why not lock hands with Jesus, study his word and spend time with him. Time with Jesus changes you. As we read his word and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us into truth and life, we naturally start seeing the cup as half full or at the very least we become a more settled person, and maybe just maybe you will find yourself resting more in Jesus and worrying less. Then as you meditate on the Lord and his goodness your very countenance will change and others will be drawn to you and to Jesus by the light you now have.

Smile it’s easy! A smile costs nothing, but a smile can change the atmosphere in a room. It can defuse anger. It is a gift and yes a tool that God has given us.

I pray that you will find joy bubbling up from within, spreading across your face and spilling out on all those around you.

Blessings!