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I Cannot Stand This!

            I am a wimp! 
I am not a wimp when it comes to pain.  Compared to others I think I have a very high pain tolerance.  I am not a wimp when it comes to work.  I think I can outwork many people.  I drive a motorcycle, love hockey and I am a track official at the “Estevan Motor Speedway”.  I like working on old motorcycles and cars and I always have a project on the go.  I am not wimpy in those ways.
What am I a wimp about then? 
I cannot stand complainers!
When people start complaining, especially about things that neither they nor I have any control over, I quickly lose interest in the conversation.  There are many legitimate concerns in the world and if you have a real problem, I am glad to listen and help you in any way that I can.  However, if you are just whining then you can see yourself to the door.
Maybe this is a character flaw of mine.  Maybe I should be more patient and compassionate.  However, I think I actually have some backup for this attitude.  You see, God hates whiners too!
Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God”.  Ephesians 4:29 is even more direct: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”.   In the Old Testament, as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God noted that they were “grumblers” and it was not a compliment!
Again, if you have a real need, I am the man to call. 
If, on the other hand, you are choosing to ignore the thousands of good things around you so that you can talk about something that is negative, my calendar is booked.  Please call again!
Now, I realize that it is a little ironic that I am complaining about complainers.  I also understand that it is naïve to pretend that everything is great when it is not.  I am not saying, “Stick your head in the sand”.  What I am saying is that we all have a choice.  I am choosing to focus on good and positive things simply because doing anything else just discourages everyone.
What are you choosing?

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