No Complaints
This morning, God’s plan for my day was not what I was expecting. I was prepared to begin my 2nd Annual 30 Days Without Complaint Challenge with a Sunday full of fellowship and worship, excited for our new pastor, but . . .
My day started by challenging ‘no complaints’ right away.
Instead, I snuggled with a sore-‘froated’, upset-tummy-having-little-girl and got the opportunity to tackle laundry, carpet cleaning, and scrubbing the bathroom. 
Focusing on no complaints meant biting back discouraging words about starting my morning cleaning up vomit. I took captive the bitter thoughts seeping into my heart over a groggy barfing child, and smiled.
2 Corinthians 10:5b take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Oh, sweet girl, it’s okay. I made a silly face and laughed when I stepped in puke, and she giggled with me.
Thank you, Lord for encouragement to get some cleaning done. I’m grateful for a washing machine to tackle her now decidedly soggy astronaut costume she had worn again today, poor thing. Thank you for a carpet cleaner and bleach for the bathroom, and a little Lysol Silkwood shower just for me.
Thank you for a quiet, rainy day to rest with a DVR full of Little House on the Prairie.
Instead of frustration that my day had gone askew, I chose to deliberately focus my heart on having a positive perspective.
Instead of the usual thankfulness challenge, this year go #30DaysWithoutComplaint with me! Click To TweetEvery year, November 1 starts an avalanche of thankfulness on social media. It is fun to play along. Yet, after joining in for a couple of years, I wasn’t seeing much actual change in my life.
Will you take the 30 Days Without Complaint Challenge?
In the past, my attitude has sometimes looked a little like this . . .
- “I am so thankful for my wonderful hubby. He is my soulmate and best friend! #perfecthusband” 7 a.m.
- “Who puts the milk back with a spoonful in the carton? No milk for breakfast. #oblivioushusband” 8 a.m.
- “Ugh, you do know what a hamper is, right? Underpants under the sink?? #husbandsaretoddlers 9 a.m.
One thankful moment and the rest of the day was full of grumbling.
I took the 30 Days Without Complaint challenge last year, learning how to live (in real life and on social media) without complaining. Within 48 hours, I realized just how challenging it would be have no complaints for a single day, much less a month.
In fact, just as I started planning this challenge again, my husband told me he has a 24 hour shift on Thanksgiving. My heart was quietly breaking. He has missed so many holidays. I know it is just a day, but after four deployments, I cherish holding his hand over the table that one special day.
But when I stopped complaining last year, I learned more than anything else, my attitude affects my experience. I can choose to be grateful for my husband’s secure job and all that he provides for us; or I can complain about losing a day with him. When I focus on finding the silver lining, my peace gives him such freedom to find joy as well. Our whole home is so much sweeter when I am.
When I focus on joy, my peacefulness frees the people in my life to seek joy and peace too. Click To TweetIt’s funny how choosing to smile, choosing to say grateful words over a no fun situation, actually made it better.
James 1:2-4 ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Tonight, I’m thrilled by the joy I witnessed in my home today. Despite tired, wet, headaches, sore ‘froats’, upset tummies, yucky weather, we had WONDERFUL joyous laughter, long hugs, sweet giggles because I chose no complaints.
While my day wasn’t what I planned, it felt perfect and complete, lacking in nothing when I counted it all joy.
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27 Comments
Lisa Morris
I do not like complainers! They drag me down! But what do I find myself doing. You got it, complaining! A work in progress. I am going to pray with you that when an opportunity presents itself to complain, I will turn it into praise instead! Enjoyed your post! God Bless:)
Jennifer
Yesterday was especially challenging with a major car repair, but if my check engine light hadn’t come on, I could have lost power anywhere and ended up in a serious accident. God protected my family through the discovery of the real problem in my vehicle. That is worthy of celebrating – not complaining!
Kate @ Did That Just Happen?
LOL, I’ve been working on it, and there have been plenty of times I really had to stop and think hard about how to say something with a positive spin! It keeps the brain gears going and is a great way to help put things in perspective!
Cathy
Love the idea of a no complaint challenge! I wonder if I am up for it! It’s certainly worth a try! 🙂
Cathy
Jennifer
It is hard. I don’t know that I have made it an entire day yet.
Miranda
This is awesome! I am going to try this. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jennifer
Let me know how it goes!
Sarah Jane
I have not heard of this challenge.
Jennifer
Here is the link to the original blog post about it. Just something that took being thankful to a new level. http://heavennotharvard.com/2014/10/23/30-days-without-complaint/
Nicole
Satan is always right there, ready to attack our honest, sincere efforts, isn’t he? I’m so glad you chose to stick to your challenge! I am sure the month will get easier than the first day was!
This sounds like such a great challenge, and I can see how it would change lives! Can’t wait to hear updates as the month goes on. Stand strong! =)
Jennifer
He sure is! We even made it through homeschool today!
Mary Collins
I had to laugh at the way your day began when you were set on not complaining. I laugh because I just had a very rough day and to top it off, I had a flat. I wanted to scream but in the end, I thanked God for having the money to purchase a tire and for family members willing to help out when I was in need.
Jennifer
Funny how the tests of life seem to gang up on us. Like praying for patience as a mom always leads to the craziest day.
Marissa
What a wonderful way to make thankfulness and gratitude an actual trait that you will carry throughout the year. Complaining and bitterness tear apart gratitude so deeply.
Thank you for sharing this challenge.
Marissa
Jennifer
I can certainly tell a difference in my year-long attitude!
Brianna
May these next 30 days change your life to be that no complaints isn’t a challenge, but a way of life. 🙂
http://unveiledandrevealed.com
Jennifer
Definitely ha become less and less a part of my heart and speech.
Lauren
This is great. I just realized my husband left on a personal trip and will be gone our anniversary (probably because he forgot!) so this is a good time to start this challenge. LOL
Jennifer
That is hard! Our anniversary is next week. I wrote about expectations and disappointments once too. It was titled Expectations Ruin Reality. Hope you find a way to celebrate when he gets home.
Caroline @ In Due Time
This is definitely a challenge that would be good for me!
Jennifer
Give it a shot and tell me how it goes.
Nance
I have also seen a massive difference when I also refrain from complaining. It’s peaceful at home. My daughter and my husband love it! It all springs forth from my heart when I start my day right with the Lord! 🙂 Grateful for His ability to renew our hearts.
Jennifer
Yes. Praying and praise does wonders.
Melanie
This is a great idea. I’ll join you for this challenge. 🙂
Jennifer
It will change your life!
Helen
I’ve not heard of this challenge, but it sounds like a good one! I am sure I need to take a better look into it. And surely more thankfulness and joy changes the household in more ways than we can ever realise. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer
It is really hard if you consider that complaining is saying anything negative, but it makes you think about how to rephrase everything and speak positively.