William Arthur Ward quote on complaining + a few extra thoughts

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”  –  William Arthur Ward*

Sometimes there are legitimate complaints that we can kindly communicate to the right person so that a problem can be fixed.

But so often, I think, we have an attitude that is quick to complain and slow to be grateful.

Grateful attitudes are energizing, but

complaining attitudes are draining,

both to the one who has the bad attitude and to those on whom he or she dumps.

I’ve found that harboring complaints in my heart ignites anger.

This produces adrenaline, which temporarily energizes, but then leaves us more depleted than ever.  It also can interrupt sleep cycles.

If this becomes a habit, we lose an unimaginable amount of energy, energy that we need to do our jobs, care for our families, do school work, and serve the Lord in these and other ways.

Just think of all the energy we could potentially unlock by just letting go of our complaints and the accompanying anger they produce!

I don’t know about you, but I need all the energy I can get.

I think I’ll work on adjusting some sails.

Look at the difference!

We need to surrender our heart to God.

This takes a conscious effort, sometimes a monumental effort.  But it is very much worth it!

The after-effects of this heart adjustment are so freeing and energizing; they show up in our whole demeanor!

Lord, I surrender.

“Do all things without complaining and disputing.”  Philippians 2:14

What about you?

Could you use some more energy?

Do you have some sail adjustments you could make?

What things do you do to develop a more grateful attitude?

*William Arthur Ward quotes