"Op-TEA-ing Out"

Do all things without complaining...(Philippians 2:14, NKJV)

Glancing through our "vacation pack" of newspapers, I was intrigued by a headline in the "Local" section, above the fold.

"Can't Complain"

It was a heading for a picture of a man enjoying the weather as he painted by the Mississippi River.

Actually, he could have chosen to complain about the mosquitos or the wind whipping at his drawing tablet. But he chose not to....he opted out of complaint.

Just two weeks ago as I was in the chair of my beau-TEA benefactor, Janine, she too, made that same "I can't complain" response to my "how are you doing" question. 

In my opinion, she could easily choose to complain as she leaves a "special needs" son at home, drives a great distance to a job that keeps her on her feet and then gets my un-cooperative head of hair to try and tame. Yet, she chooses NOT to complain.

"Do not complain" is a simple command from scripture that is hard to follow. In our self-indulgent, narcissistic culture, we seem to be breeding discontent with our own expectations of personal perfection in every aspect of our lives. Disillusionment occurs. Complaint begins.

Complaining when things don't go "our way." Result: An ever complaining society. 

Just think of things that seem to trigger complaints in life. Traffic jams. Weather. Crying babies on an airplane, especially seated near you. Long lines. Full carts in the express line. Any line at all. Cell phone conversations in a restaurant. Neighborly lawn mowing at 6:30 am. Compile your own list.

This morning, as hubby drove us to the dentist, a young lady almost clipped us as she cut in front of us in order to be one car ahead. We "griped" about Memphis drivers the rest of the way there and even in to Dr. Heros' office, where others joined in our complaint.

Complaint seems contagious. I need to opt out of complaint before I emit a spirit of complaint that can spread to others.

Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his (own) sins? (Jeremiah 3:39)

As I pour my "choice" cuppa, may it be an "op-TEA-ing out of complaint." Serving an "op-TEA-ing in" of contentment" to others.