A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. Proverbs 27:15
I don’t know if you’ll find a woman who truly loves this verse. It brings out probably one of the biggest faults of our gender. We’ve been divinely relegated as “second-in-command” to our husbands, and sometimes this produces a feeling of being out of control. This out-of-control feeling can bring out the nagging in the first, second, and third degrees.
The scary part of this “continual dropping” is that we often don’t know we’re doing it. Sometimes it takes a good set-down from our husbands, mothers, or someone close to us to make us realize how far down the whining road we’ve gone.
We all have our little (or big) items that we complain about, mainly to our husbands. In the Bible, we are commanded to show respect and honor to our men.
Have you ever thought about how hard it is to whine in a respectful voice? It’s nigh impossible.
If some of you are like me, you’re probably thinking “but I’m not a whiner”. Sometimes we truly have no idea how we sound until we hear it through another person’s ears. I recently had to repent of some of the things I’d been complaining about. To me, I didn’t feel it was complaining……but to my husband it said so much more than I ever meant for it to.
So what is the true meaning behind my whiny voice and nagging attitude?
What am I really saying when I complain?
- I am not a joy-filled person.
- I do not like the life God has chosen for me.
- I cannot trust that God knows what is best for my life and my heart.
- I do not even like myself.
To my husband it says:
- You are not to be trusted in matters spiritual, physical, or financial.
- You have failed in providing the best path for our family – whether it be where we live, how we live, or what we live on.
- I need more than you and the kids to make me happy.
- You’re not as good as some other men.
- I am not happy with our life and it is your fault.
To my children it says:
- I do not like being your mother.
- You make me unhappy.
- You irritate me.
- My attitude is all your problem, not mine.
Sometimes you have absolutely no idea of the meaning behind your words, until you’re forced to listen to them yourself.
After realizing the message my complaining was giving, I had to think about what I could be saying if only positive, encouraging words left my mouth. Just think of the potential we have to make our homes the happiest place on earth . . . with only our words as the building blocks!
We could be saying:
- I love the Lord with all my heart.
- I am content and happy with the way God made me to be from the moment I was conceived.
- My husband is the light of my life and, next to Christ, the best thing that’s happened to me.
- I can rest contentedly, knowing that my husband is well able to handle all the spiritual and financial decisions for our little family. God has better equipped him to make those decisions than He did me.
- You, my children, are the apple of my eye and I love spending time with you!
- I love this life God has chosen for me and embrace the joys as well as the sorrows.
Most importantly . . .
My attitude is not dependent upon my circumstances . . .
instead I view it as a challenge to change my circumstances by my attitude.
Linking to some of these blogs.
- The Adventum CD Collection – Sale Now - March 27, 2021
- Alternative To Facebook Option - January 30, 2021
- The Beauty of the Hoary Head - January 2, 2021
Lydia Fern Mehrer Hostetler via Facebook says
Thank-you.. A great reminder.. Needed this.
Julia Shetler via Facebook says
gulp.I really needed this,,,as it has seemed to be a lil problem in this house lately.:( thanks!
Dave N Suzi Weaver via Facebook says
A good reminder…thanks for sharing! All normal women need this reminder!
Twila Peachey Smucker via Facebook says
Very good and convicting, Kendra.
Shannon says
Oh my. Needed this!
Rebecca Byler via Facebook says
So true! we think it’s our “right” to complain, but there really is no excuse, so long as God is in control of our life.
Jena Troyer Hammond via Facebook says
Thanks for the reminder!
Cara Lorenz via Facebook says
Wow… you really stepped on my toes! Thank you!! 🙂 I think I shall print this off and read it every morning!
Living In The Shoe via Facebook says
My own words step on my own toes! Now there’s a picture for ya. 😉
Rhoda Martin via Facebook says
thanks for sharing!
Niki @ For Journey's Sake says
Thank you for a great reminder. We are currently trying to eliminate the word “hate” from our vocabulary, even when saying things like, “I hate it when …happens”. It’s crazy to find out how many times we use the word and most of the time we are complaining! Saw this post from the Growing Home link-up. 🙂
willowcreekfarm says
Such a great post! A very good reminder. It can be so easy to fall down this slippery slope. Thanks for this post.
Karisa says
Wow this is good!!!! I needed to be reminded of this. Thanks so much for sharing. God bless your day !!!!