Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Am I Giving Joy?

I had planned on a different topic today, with photos, but I couldn't get my photos to publish.  Maybe God is wanting me to head in this direction instead...it's been on my mind since early yesterday.

There are times when I come across a quote and it just sticks with me...

"Whiners neither enjoy or give joy.  But grace filled people are reputable, sought after and loved." 
                                                                   Patsy Clairmont

At all times, we are going to fall into one of two categories, whining or being whined at.  We tend to reserve the notion of whining for children, but if we are completely honest, adults can be just as bad.  We know how draining it is to be around someone that is constantly whining.  You can try to point out the positive, and yet they persist in droning on and on about all that is wrong in their lives.  You leave the encounter with slumped shoulders and vowing to not be like that.  However, we too can fall into the mindset of complaining and grumbling.  It is almost like a drug.  I think that on some level, the world has convinced us that if we have enough problems and let everyone know about them, then maybe "they" will love us more or at the very least, be compassionate enough to care.  This just isn't so.

We all know someone that is filled with grace and joy.  We are naturally drawn to the them because we know we will come away from the encounter refreshed and with renewed hope.  We would be remiss to think that nothing bad ever happens in their lives.  I believe they are different because they have chosen to see beyond their current circumstances and keep a heavenly perspective.

We all have to decide at some point what it is that we are believing in.  If we are believing in a sovereign God and trusting Him with the outcome, no matter what, then we have no reason to complain.  It is when we are trying to decide what our lives are supposed to look like that the whining starts to emerge.  I know that when I get the whining itch, I like to ask myself, "what is God up to in all of this?"  If I am mindful of keeping an eternal perspective, I realize that God has His hand print all over my life and that there is no room for anything other than grace.  God never promised that we wouldn't have struggles.  We need to just get over this very selfish notion that we are in control.  We aren't.  Life can really stink sometimes.  But, there is a difference between sharing your journey and whining about it.  Are we bringing God glory when we speak about our lives, or are we merely sucking the joy right out of the room because we aren't getting our way?

We are going to hurt and at times the hurt is going to tear deep into our heart's core.  We are going to experience loss, whether it is loved ones, money, our health or anything else we care about.  The Lord is going to ask us to carry heavy burdens and we decide if we we are going take up our crosses and follow Him, or just complain about it.  We are going to know wilderness and desert times.  Let's be completely honest, life never looks like what we thought it would.   However, God is continually with us and how we choose to share our lives is going to reflect how much we are trusting Him.  Jesus said that He would never forsake us.  Are our words reflecting this?  It is something we can work on every day.  Don't give up.  Hang in there.  Fight against the temptation and before long, being grace filled is truly who you are.  Don't be surprised if God brings people into your lives that are needing encouragement and a grace filled perspective.  Imagine being used by the Lord to renew someone instead of making them wonder if life is even worth living at all.  What a glorious calling.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life..."  Phil. 2:14-16

Please, feel free to let me know what you think.  I would love to hear from you.

5 comments:

  1. Hi. I came across your blog through another blog I follow and have signed up as a follower. When you’re free, please do visit me and let me know what you think of my blog and leave a comment. If you like, do follow as well. I am always open to great new people and interesting websites. Look forward to hearing from you.

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  2. I loved that. True and touched my heart. Please come see me, I am new to blogging and to papercrafts. I only have two sons 22, 12 and wish I had more :)

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  3. I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog to check it out. God bless, Lloyd

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  4. Denisa, I know this post has nothing to do with ATC Swaps, but I couldn't find where to e mail you. We are partners for August. Please drop me a line so we can exchange addresses and chat.
    mmohr13@cfl.rr.com

    Dina

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