Choosing Purposeful Simplicity for March

Well my napkin experiment of last month was a complete failure. Given my track record with the laundry we should have all seen that coming. So this month I'm going a slightly different route, I'll attempt to give up complaining.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing . . . "

(Philippians 2:14)

I cannot shake the image of the Israelites standing at the edge of the Promised Land complaining and grumbling. At every turn they complained. Passing through a parted sea, water from rock, guided by a cloud, fed manna from heaven; and none of it good enough. I suspect that I approach much of my work with the same spirit of whining and unwillingness. Even if quiet, to myself, or mumbled under my breath, I wonder how all this complaining effects the atmosphere of my home, my heath, my relationship with God? And then of course, what do my children learn from my example?

So, if I'm not complaining, how then shall I think or speak? With what shall I replace my grumbling spirit? The Bible tell me that also:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:4-8).

". . . giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (Ephesians 5:20).

So, what if, while I folded the towels, I replaced my grumblings with with prayer for the little ones that God has entrusted to me, prayers that He might breath on them, that repentance and salvation might well up in their souls? What if, while I turned his shirts and matched his socks, I begged the heart of God for the protection and guidance for the man who wears those shirts and socks everyday? What if, instead of whining, I recited Psalms of praise to the all-knowing, purposeful Creator who has given me my portion and my cup, honoring Him for giving me exactly what I need in order to become exactly who He wants me to be? What if I simply thanked God for His faithful provisions for my family, even when we have failed to be faithful in return?

"Everything about which we are tempted to complain may be the very instrument whereby the Potter intends to shape His clay into the image of His Son--a headache, an insult, a long line at the check-out, someone's rudeness or failure to say thank you, misunderstanding, disappointment, interruption" (Elizabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart).