Complaint or praise?

A young man decided to become a monk in a religious order that allowed monks to speak only two words every two years.

After his first two years of training, the young monk was invited by
his superior to make his two-word presentation. “Food terrible,” he said.

Two years later, at the invitation of his superior, he said, “bed lumpy.” And then two years later he went to his superior’s office and issued his
final two words, “I quit.”

The superior looked at the young monk and said, “you know, this doesn’t surprise me one bit. All you have done since you arrived is complain, complain, complain.”

Each of us may benefit from asking ourselves, “What would I say to the world if I had only two words to express my feelings? Would I utter a complaint or praise?” Our answer likely tells much about what dominates our thought during a given day.

Life is good. Do we see life that way?

People generally want to help and do the right thing. Do we see our neighbor that way?

God loves us and takes care of us in ways we often don’t realize or notice. Are we appreciative?

Tomorrow is always a new day. Are we expectant of progress?

God is a good God, and we are the beneficiaries of that goodness. Are we ready and receptive to the blessings coming our way?

The more we focus on the good, behold the good in others, and expect good, the less room there is for complaint in our thought. When we open our mouth, words of praise, joy and blessing come out, because that’s what we’re thinking about and grateful for.

And complaint…well,...what’s that? :)

“God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians