Why Whine?
Posted by Andrea
Do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14)
I don’t know who invited her or how long she plans to stay. The Whining Fairy has stopped by the Thorpe household and hasn’t gone home yet. She has waved her wand over my precious Sweet Pea and has transformed her voice into a high pitched one rife with complaints.
On a recent Sunday morning, Sweet Pea spent several minutes whining because we would not allow her to wear flip flops to church. Two days later, as we prepared to head off to swim lessons, shoe selection set off another whirlwind of whining because Sweet Pea did not want to wear the flip flops to the pool. Instead, she wanted to wear her dress shoes. (Yes, the same dress shoes she didn’t want to wear a couple days before!)
In order to deal with Sweet Pea’s whining in an effective manner, I’ve taken the matter to the Lord in prayer. Because He is so loving, merciful, and kind, He is answering my prayer and leading me to some valuable information that will help me combat this problem.
At the same time, God has given me some food for thought. Often when I take the annoyances of others to God in prayer, He reveals an area of my life I need to improve. (How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:4)
While praying about Sweet Pea’s whining, God reminded me of some of my own recent grumbling sessions, convicted me regarding my improper attitude, and showed me how my complaining was a sign of ungratefulness based in a lack of faith and a lack of focus.
When I complain, it appears that I am unappreciative of the people and things God has placed in my life. When I complain, it reveals that I don’t fully trust God and have not given Him total control of my life. When I complain, it shows that my focus is on situations and not the Savior. Instead I must show my appreciation to God by fully relying on and focusing on Him.
Sweet Pea may not stop whining tomorrow, but I’m determined to stop complaining about it today. Instead, I will view this challenge as an opportunity to grow in Christ. This, too, shall pass!
Photo: Courtesy of frotzed2
Tags: complaining, Sweet Pea, whine, whining
Hey Andy~
I had to chuckle when I saw this post. My son struggles with the whineys so I taught him (and his sisters) the verse that you have posted (Phil 2:4). I was so pleased because all of them learned it well. Unfortunately, for the next two weeks, whenever they were frustrated with each other, I got to hear them yell, “She’s murmurings.” or “He’s disputings.” LOL
Well at least they learned the words!
Prayers that the Whiney Fairy will leave your house (and not stop by mine!
She’s murmurings!
He’s disputings!
Lisa, now THAT is a reason to chuckle! At least they’re getting a good dose of God’s word at an early age!
I think The Whining Fairy is on her way out as she’s having difficulty co-habitating with The Time Out Fairy.
I’ll have to ask the ladies how they deal with this.
I’m looking forward to ‘’seeing” you on the boards and thanks for stopping by!