2417) Complaining is a subtle poison. When I pick up its cup, drinking it doesn’t always have a bad aftertaste, and the more I drink, the harder the side effects are to recognize.

Complaining is saying, I don’t like this. I know there’s a better way, a better dream, or better problem solving. This isn’t it. I know better ways and solutions than anyone.

What may not occur to the complainer is that I don’t know everything. I don’t always see things the way they are. I don’t need to consider anything other than my way of looking at things.

There is a better way to deal with things I don’t like, found in Ephesians 5:20. Here Paul tells us to give thanks always. Gratitude is greater than complaining. It opens me up to other possibilities and, in humility, I verbally recognize that I trust God even when things are difficult.

When I stop my head from complaining about many things, I am learning the value of thanksgiving. I’ve also noticed that being thankful for one thing leads to another thing to be thankful for and so on.

Are you tired of drinking the poison of dissatisfaction? Try giving thanks instead.