That Sound from Below

My dog, fluffy white, is lying in my kitchen, grumbling. She starts low and escalates to almost a sound resembling a word. It goes on and on until I react and she ceases. Very sad. She is warm, dry, "clean", fed, watered, loved, talked to, given special treats,..... you know, spoiled.

This day, I kindof heard my own voice. The one that is warm, dry, "clean", fed, watered.....
and I thought "Is this the way I sound when I grumble?" It's probably more akin to nails scraping a chalkboard. But I go on in my head and out of my mouth, bemoaning my tragic estate. I hate this about second nature. It becomes so much a part of me. So...

I'm going to do my best not to complain. I want to say, "I'm going to stop complaining," but I know me and I forget. I'm not going to have just one more pity party before I quit. I'm not going to review my selfish petitions before the halt. I'm just going to go for a new direction.
"Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise." Now that's my plan. I'm actually a very grateful person. I live in an attitude of thankfulness, yet I habitually have some pet whining projects. Going to do my best to let them go. It's my gift to the Father of every good and perfect gift that comes down from Him. He's long ago known of my grievances. His mercy goes on forever.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is sure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward........

Let the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my Strength and
my Redeemer." Psalm 19:7-11, 14 NKJV