No Complaining Here ...

People often tease me about me becoming their conscience. In sermons I've preached or messages I've given, oftentimes people hear something that connects with them and makes them look at their lives a little differently.

I was thinking about that today with regard to the dangerous heat we are currently experiencing.

I've heard a lot of people complaining about the heat and, let's face it, it is HOT. But, with the complaints about the heat often come more complaints about other things. It's funny how once we start down the "complaint path" it is so easy for those complaints to just keep coming.

I'm guilty of this too. I catch myself starting to complain and then realize I need a mind shift. Or, as a Jesus follower, I call it a "Spirit check." I need to evaluate what I'm thinking about because, as I know too well, what I think becomes my attitude and my attitude becomes my words or actions.

So, sometimes, I have to take a step back and look at what I have vs. what I don't have; I have to focus more on the blessings in my life vs. the difficulties I face.

What does this have to do with the heat? Well, what would it look like if, instead of complaining about the heat, we thought about our neighbors who don't have air-conditioning and we invited them into our homes? Too hard for you? Then try something as simple as saying a prayer for the construction worker who has to work in these conditions; or the homeless man or woman who has to sleep in them; or the police officer who has to keep the community safe and "peaceful" in the midst of all the hot, complaining people.

Why not try a "Spirit check" or mind shift for yourself today? Trust me, looking at the positive side of life will only make your day, and your life, better ... and maybe even the lives of those around you!

Stay cool, everyone!