Inspired

I have begun reading 7 by Jen Hatmaker.  Inspired by her willingness to share the hard truth of each step of her challenge, I have decided to record my own challenge here.  I will not publicize the "project," to family and friends as not to make it an assignment, but hope that it is noticeable in its changes in me. 


Philippians 2:14 says, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing."  The following verses continue, "so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." 


So, herein lies my challenge, to do everything without grumbling and complaining.  I do not see myself as a squeaky wheel or nag, but the room for improvement in this area is drastic. 


From the start of my days, I am already in a state of grumbling as the clock wakes me for work or the boys wake me far before my body is ready to leave the comforts of my pillow.  Their nudges are often met with ugly responses that are not befitting a daughter of the King blessed beyond comprehension.  This will be one of my first tasks to tackle with a joyful spirit.  As I sit here, tired from a day of motherhood, listening to the boys playing on top of the mountain of clothes piled on the couch waiting for me to fold them, I know that the morning will come all too soon. My grins of approval as the boys play nicely, for now, will be replaced with sharp words and gritted teeth when the sun peaks through the makeshift curtains.  Of this, I am ashamed. 


Likewise, the resentment I sometimes allow to well up inside me when I am faced with the tasks of laundry, picking up toys for the millionth time, or washing the dishes that are taking over the kitchen counters is ridiculous.  My heart and mind know that the blessings that cause my cup to continue to overflow are the reasons such "problems" exist. 


The laundry, a testament to the vast wardrobe each member of my family owns.  Never naked, never too cold, never in less than suitable attire. 


The toys, reminders of the number of people that truly love my boys and pour out that love through gifts.  And a reminder that both of my boys are healthy enough to play with all of the little, foot-stabbing cars and blocks. 


The dishes.  Wow!  How well we are fed.  I cannot remember one time in my life not having food to eat.  Not one time. 


So, this attitude of gratefulness is what I want to savor in lieu of the ugly complaints and pity-party thoughts that often fill my mind. 
May my mind be fixed on joyfulness, gratefulness, and praise.  May the tendencies to grumble and complain move further and further from my character as I fix my thoughts on Thee.