August 23, 2004

[Rev. Doc]

Complaining

"Do everything without complaining or arguing,"
Philippians 2:14

It's very easy to allow a spirit of complaining to take control of our lives making us critical of much of what takes place around us. We need to replace that critical nature with a positive perspective.

Out West, a cowboy was driving down a dirt road, his dog riding in back of the pickup truck, his faithful horse in the trailer behind. He failed to negotiate a curve and had a terrible accident.

Sometime later, a highway patrol officer came on the scene. An animal lover, he saw the horse first. Realizing the serious nature of its injuries, he drew his service revolver and put the animal out of his misery. He walked around the accident and found the dog, also hurt critically. He couldn't bear to hear it whine in pain, so he ended the dog's suffering as well.

Finally he located the cowboy --who suffered multiple fractures--off in the weeds. "Hey, are you okay?" the cop asked. The cowboy took one look at the smoking revolver in the trooper's hand and quickly replied, "Never felt better!"

Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you see the good in people and situations surrounding you.

"Don't complain and talk about all your problems--80 percent of people don't care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them."
~Mark Twain.