Recalling that phrase, first heard from friend Ellen's hubby Dick and compounded by my own daughter's admonishment to NOT be a "Dotsy Downer," lead to some self-examination. I have been in the habit of defining, or more likely rationalizing, my "words" as concern or just observation. But God.....used others in my life to show me otherwise. A least no one used the "nag" word----at least not recently.
I do think that often the very same words can be used as either a comment/observation, or as an "all out" complaint. Hm-m-m.....as if there are degrees of difference. Hm-m-m-m....maybe once again rationalization is taking over.
Probably.....a complaint is a complaint, is a complaint, whether uttered through gritted teeth or "hidden" behind a grin.
I do think that in my life the "light" has come on in this area of complaint. Where there's light there's usually conviction. I'm seeing it for what it is----sin. Complaint seems synonymous with ingratitude.
Recent trips to friend Claudia's chemo treatment and conversations with newly diagnosed friend, Mary B. were flood lights of conviction for me. Positive living. Living without complaint in the face of the dark diagnosis of cancer. Prayerful, grateful, trusting.
God sent help in the form of a reminder. Aggie's blog comment from "across the pond" introduced me to 2 Samuel 22:29. (Which I have since prayed for myself and others.)
For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. (KJV)
Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. (The Message)
Complaint is NOT a spiritual gift. Complaint is a darkness that needs to be dispelled.
