Griping Is Not a Good Use of Free Speech
Griping seems to wax as control wanes; it seems to be a mainstay of many social conversations. And, thanks to two decades of talk radio, social media and 24/7 cable television, I see and hear that griping, tempting as it is, is not the best use of my freedom of speech.
Griping is not a propensity that improves with age. The joy and terror lurking in the golden years –a.k.a an autumn’s garden — is relinquishing duties, obligations, responsibilities, and control. Old age – maturity – is scary, lonely, and painful.
- Will we outlive our resources?
- Good friends and family depart, and
- The old body doesn’t cooperate – except for the tongue.
That muscle can keep right on working when our minds, knees, hips and feet fail us! (James 3:6)
When I feel age entitles me to speak my mind, and I indulge my gripes . . . until Paul reins me in. (Philippians 2:14) In his letter to the Philippians, what he told them applies to me: complaining — even in a soft voice — is saying:
God has not done enough for me; I deserve more than what God has provided.
That really isn’t what I mean . . . is it?
A picture is worth a thousand words – and so is a timely meme. How fortunate for me, though that one person used social media, Facebook, to readjust my focus.
- What is “good” is not getting my way.
- What is “good” is to be near God. See Psalm 73
Today may be a wild and scary day – it’s not over yet, if it hasn’t been one. I am praying to express my opinions carefully . . . not confusing the pundits, politicians and pontificators’ freedom to speak their minds with a sound pattern for mine.
Would you like to join a PRAISE Choir? Sing along — it’s good for your old lungs!