"No Complaint"

 Dark-thirty came real early,

The cow-boss actin’ surly,

And what I’d give for one more hour of sleep.

Don’t hesitate or you’ll be late,

Don’t let ‘em beat you to that gate,

But saddle up because that work won’t keep.

Complaining I’m explaining,

Is not a cowboy’s training,

Though some made clear that they did not approve,

Of chores beneath, too long their teeth,

A better choice for them bequeath,

Too late for them to think they should improve.

Just one or two I once knew,

Who whined about what they must do,

But most were far too glad to ever say,

Horseback,  herdin’ outback,

And not thinkin’ bout what they lack,

To thankfully go cowboy up today.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing…” (Philippians 2:14, NLT)

How different life would be if we stopped complaining and arguing altogether. Complaining is arguing with our circumstances. Arguing is acting contentiously toward people. Either way, the answer is God’s peace and our willingness to receive it. If we have God’s peace and put everything in His hands, there is no need or desire to complain. We’re too thankful to whine. If we have God’s peace ruling our hearts, we are much less likely to react in a negative way toward others. We seek to be at peace with them, even if we disagree. We can take an opposite point of view without reacting in an unloving way. We will be different from almost everyone else, and will shine like a light in darkness. But only if we stop complaining and arguing.

Lord, help us stop complaining and arguing, now, and from now on, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.