Living Intentionally - Whine

Living Intentionally - Whine

“IF YOU KEEP that up, I’m going to give you something to really cry about!” Yes, we all heard those biting words from our mothers and fathers fed up with our carrying on. But let’s be honest: whining isn’t just a youthful exercise. When was the last time you thought:

This weather is crummy.

The traffic is ridiculous.

The kids don’t call.

My sister is clueless.

Whining. That’s what I was doing not long ago. I spent precious moments complaining about the most minute things.

When I caught myself, I felt ashamed. What was going on that was really all that bad? Summer heat on a November day? But then, just as my mother promised, I got something to really whine about.

At the time, Shauna was pregnant with our first grandbaby and due to deliver on January 11—but on Thanksgiving Day, she went into premature labor. She spent two weeks in the hospital, pumped full of drugs on bed rest. We were all on pins and needles as she tried to keep her little critter in the oven a few more weeks.

When Shauna did go into labor on December 7, her emergency C-section and the baby’s resuscitation was nothing short of pure drama. As we prayed through the night for Shauna’s recovery and the health of our sweet granddaughter, Ava, I realized I had not a complaint in the world. I had something new to refocus my attention.

Your parents might drive you nuts. Your job might be the pits. Your husband might not be the most romantic or the best gift giver. But really, is life all that bad?

I think to live life intentionally we must have a really good whine every now and then. Complain (to yourself, please) for no less than sixty minutes, once a month, about the lousy hand you’ve been dealt or the unfairness of it all. Get it out. Rant and rave. Wave your hands. Stomp your feet. And then I want you to drop it. Or else you might get challenges much bigger than a bad hair day to distract you from your personal pity party.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

As I sit here this afternoon with baby Ava in my arms, I have no complaints. Just pure gratitude for the gift of life, sweet family and friends, and second chances to take in the miracle of life.