Spanish – English
So very much of our conversation belies our true nature and convictions. We say we love God, we speak of thanking and praising Him when we “are in church” or in a religious setting trying to impress others but let the guard down and listen to the words of our mouths and our hearts. Now these hearts are supposed to be the new ones we received in our “new birth.” With one set of words we proclaim we are new creatures, thankful to God in all things. With another set, we let others know where we really stand. Often, the arm raised in praise has a clenched fist and the lips of thanksgiving conceal gnashing teeth.
Because conditions are never perfect, the spirit of complaint can never be stilled or appeased. Our ceasing to complain cannot hinge therefore on a change in conditions but must come solely by change in spirit and attitude. The source or cause of complaint is never the circumstances but always the subject in same.
At any given time our lives can view from either of two perspectives, positive or negative, like two sides to a coin. Each side truly exists and we are right either way but we become what we behold. Therefore must we decide what to behold.
Isn’t it awful?
Isn’t it hot out?
It’s enough to fry one’s brains!
It’s so dry and dusty….
If only we had a little rain.
You want rain? Plan a picnic!
Where did all these terrible flies come from?
Sure it’s raining…just washed my car!
If it doesn’t rain, it pours!
Is it ever muggy out!
Mud everywhere!
These clouds are so depressing!
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again some other day!
It sure would be nice if
There weren’t all these mosquitoes!
Will that wind never quit?
Isn’t it awful?
Isn’t it awful?
This complaining, that is.
Against whom do you complain?
Who’s in control?
Do you realize?
Isn’t it awful?
Lethbridge, Sept. 1984