Choose gratitude over complaining
"This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses ... behold it is dry and it is moldy."
- Joshua 9:12 (KJV)
In the cold, long, dark days of winter, life can begin to feel mundane and routine. Especially after being locked up with the kids, the mate or the same old TV shows. Amid the daily grind, we are ready for a change of pace.
After returning to work and escaping the home front, it's not long before we're tired of doing the same job and being surrounded by the same people.
It's ironic how we creatures of habit get tired of the same old routines, many of which are essential to our health and well-being.
Maybe you've noticed you have a few habits that have you feeling worn out and in need of a revival.
Many times our get-up-and-go has got up and left. We feel unmotivated, depressed, and lack zeal for things that at one time we felt energized to do. Depending on the severity, we need to observe whether we need help for depression, vitamins in our diet, or are dealing with a disease.
In some situations we get tired of a thing because God is directing us to do something new or different. We desire a change because a change is needed. Most times, we are just dealing with the mundane daily habits of life and we need to adjust our attitude to revive our joy.
Years ago, a friend of mine told me she was tired of her job. She would get to work early each day and, while sipping coffee with a co-worker, they would complain about the job. That also continued on their break and at lunch.
One day she realized she had several years invested in her job, and if she left she would give up her retirement plan. In order to survive, she figured she'd have to change her attitude.
She started by cutting back on the meetings with her friend and the complaining. Instead, she looked for every bright spot she could find to enjoy her job. Six months later, she was given a promotion with new responsibilities that she enjoyed.
Most people don't realize too much negativity drains our physical and emotional energy. When we feel drained and worn out, we need to look at how much complaining is going on in our daily lives. The Bible says too much complaining can be drying to our bones, because it dries up our joy.
It's not unusual to feel unmotivated when dealing with our mundane tasks. When feeling this way, changing our attitude from complaining to gratitude may make all the difference.
Changing our attitude may not always get us a promotion, but it can give us a renewed outlook on a moldy, old routine.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.