Complaining - we all do it every day. Whether it’s as simple as complaining about someone cutting you off at the mall, losing your job, or how your neighbor’s dog just won't stop barking.

This summer my complaining has really been overboard, to put it nicely. I’m away from all my college friends so I complain about missing them. I’m privileged enough to get 40 hours a week at my jobs and I complain about working so much. But if I don’t get enough hours I also complain about not working. I complain when it’s too hot, I complain when it’s too cold. I even complain when my dog wakes me up in the morning with her sweet face.

The truth is, if anyone has a complaining problem, it’s me.

I have tried my best to fight the urges to complain and it’s been insanely difficult. It’s not that I’m not grateful, it’s just I have a hard time remembering how blessed I am when another customer asks me to bag their gallon of milk at the grocery store. I’m not thinking "Wow, I’m so glad to have a steady job." Instead, I’m thinking "Really? Like it’s not easier to carry in the bag, people!"

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God in a warped and crooked generation." -Phillipians 2:14-15 (NIV)

As believers, one of the ways we can show the world we are different is to be grateful and not whiney.

People can observe that we never complain or grumble and they will think to themselves: “I wonder why she is so happy? What gives her a reason to not complain?” That reason is Christ. He died on the cross for our sins many years ago so that someday, we can join Him in the amazing place that is Heaven.

The God of the universe did not put me on this Earth so that I could roll my eyes at my mother when she asks me to clean my room or to point out all the things that I just do not like through out my day. Yes, it may seem impossible to completely stop complaining cold turkey. But, with God all things our possible.

Here are the steps you can take to limit our grumbling to a minimum:

1. Daily devotionals are key. The only one who can truly understand and relate to what you’re going through is the King of the universe himself. Have a time set aside each day to devote to Him - this really helps change your perspective and put you in the right frame of mind. Because when you're focusing on Christ, everything else fades in comparison.
2. Take your burdens to God first, always. This is a tough one for sure. When something bad happens the first thing we want to do is complain to a close friend or parent. But we need to take it God first and foremost. He wants nothing more than to be your best friend and closest confidante. You never have to worry about God revealing your secrets and it lets you blow off some steam before you say something you might regret. He will not judge you or make you feel ashamed. Trust Him with your thoughts.
3. Think before you speak. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but it is honestly one of the things I struggle with the most. Learning to control our tongues is something only God can teach and help us with. If we learn to be careful about what we say, then we will be careful with voicing our complaints.
4. Journal about it. Each day write down a few things you are grateful for. From sunshine to your family, counting your blessings is a great tool that can be used when you feel like complaining.

This area of life is something that all Christians struggle with, so don’t be dejected when you don’t see results right away. The fact that God can still use us even when we complain about the silliest thing is such a great blessing!

The most important aspect to letting your light shine for God is to always be grateful, for everything. Because, every minute we spend complaining is another minute wasted. Life is full of unexpected surprises, so you never know when something that caused you to complain in the past can find a way to change your life completely!

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