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Jul. 29, 2007
Do you Complain? Are You angry?
"If you are always angry and complaining, this says you have a proud soul. Humble yourself, correct yourself, and the Lord is powerful to give you comfort... and a helping hand."
+ St. Anatoly of Optina
Max Lucado's book "A Love Worth Giving" has a wonderful chapter called "A Call to Common Courtesy". In it he reminds us of how Christ behaved towards others. We know Christ is Meek (his strength is under control), but how often would we list "Courteous" as one of his attributes? Indeed, Christ showed GREAT courtesy to all people.
He's not so "big" and "all that" that He just runs the world how He wishes. He constantly asks us to pray... to talk to Him. To tell us our heart's cares, worries and joys. He wants us to tell us EVERYthing. Even though He already knows, He listens with great compassion. And if we're willing to tell Him, He will do something for us, even if He hadn't planned on it.
If you don't think so, refer back to Christ's very first miracle at the wedding of Cana. He had no plans of revealing Himself yet. But His mother asked Him to provide more wine. What? Was this a BYOB, or what? No. It was rather an embarrassing thing to run out of wine at a wedding, not that it bothered Jesus. But his mother asked Him. Did she complain? Did she get angry? No.
She just asked, expectantly, asking the servants to prepare for the miracle by bringing the very, VERY large jugs (30 gallons each!) of water for Him to take care of. Man does what man can do, and relies on God to do the rest.
And like a typical son, He gently and lovingly chides her, "Woman, what have I to do with you?" It reminds me of myself when my children get me to do something I hadn't planned to for them and I say with a warm and tender smile, "What AM I going to do with you!?"
Angry and complaining. Oh dear. Lord, help me to change my anger into peace, and my complaining into praise.
Glory be to God in All things! |
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Jul. 30, 2007 - Complaining