The Culmination of Complaints

Challenges refine and define character.  Last evening, I looked at the dishes that needed to be done with a begrudging heart, and now, this morning, after being awoken in the wee hours by my sweet boy who was struggling to breathe, I see the dishes differently.  My momentary loss of perspective, allowed my heart to forget that those dishes display that there is plenty to eat, and a place to safely consume our meals, as well as safe water to clean and sanitize the dishes when we are done.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” – (Philippians 2:14-16)

A heart to serve without complaining, nor arguing, is what I desire.  I want to be seen as blameless and pure as God’s child, and be a light before those around me.  My hope is that others might see something different in the light that lives in me, and come to know Christ is the cause for the difference, that they too, desire.

Let not my lips,

bring forth complaint;

let not my words,

nor actions taint.

For You are good,

and all should see;

Your light that lives,

growing in me.

May my life shine,

a star, so bright;

so all may know,

You are the Light.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we may become blameless and pure, Your cherished children in whom You delight.  Thank You that You take flawed and broken people, and transform us into stars that shine as Your light unto the world.  Forgive us for complaining and arguing, as nothing beneficial ever comes from either; and help us to have Your heart for whatever trials we face, so that we may approach all things with Your loving grace.  Teach us to trust You to lead and guide us in the way that we are meant to go, and help us to be ever aware of Your presence.  Use us Father, so that we may shine brightly before all those around us.  May many come to know You, and Your saving grace.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.