Complaint file

I don't know about you guys but I have known to complain a little every so often, and sometimes more than just a little. It seems like a natural part of life, things don't go my way, I complain and move on. However, have you ever thought what it would be like to not complain at all? I try to be a positive person overall and try not to complain too much although there are times I catch myself in a rather foul mood where I am like the complaint train. I think on a regular basis though staying positive has better effects that going negative.
Anyway, I saw a thing on Facebook yesterday that challenged people to be complaint free for one day. I kind of shrugged it off at the time, I mean I don't usually complain that much right?? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how even when I don't realize it I complain about stupid small stuff all day. About my kid not listening to me when I tell him not to go behind my chair, or that lunch didn't turn out exactly how I thought it would, or how I have to write 2 one page essays before tomorrow! I know that those are just small baby complaints but I also realize that small complaints easily turn into bigger complaints and before we know it the complaint train is rolling steadily down the tracks.
 What do you think God thinks about us complaining about stuff all the time? Sometimes, sure we have really terrible days and the rain clouds of doom are raining down on us but usually are things that bad? I used to have a friend that would constantly say "It could be worse" to every complaint we had and he is right. 99% of the time things that I have to complain about are nothing compared to what others are dealing with. So why do it? What does it gain us? How does it help in our relationship with God?
What if instead of complaining about what is wrong why not pray for help, for patience, for guidance or strength? What would happen if we stopped complaining for one day? If instead of complaining we looked for a positive in the situation or looked for a different perspective? What is this situation trying to teach us? I think overall we would find that they are lessons in how we can more fully rely on what God is trying to teach us.
So here is the challenge, this week take one day and try not to complain, about ANYTHING! I know it will not be easy, I think in a way society has trained us to complain about things. But this week we are going to do it differently, don't complain, pray. Ask for a different perspective. Certainly we might fail, we are human after all but keep trying. Then let me know what happened. I will be sure to update you all as well. Baby steps is all we are asking for. We can't change ourselves or the world without first starting with baby steps. Good luck and I look forward to hearing about your adventures this week.
Until next time,
~Michelle