I was complaining about everything – not out loud to anyone in particular, but in the solitude of my thoughts. On the top of the list was all of the household chores, not enough time to work on projects, people’s lack of accountability and aggressive drivers on the freeway!

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Psalm 77:3

I finally decided to do something about these annoying thoughts. I opened up my laptop and let my fingers furiously pound the keyboard documenting all 52 complaints. (It wasn’t really 52 but it certainly felt like it!)

Initially, I was convinced this exercise would ease my frustrations. But the more I wrote out my complaints, the more I felt my chest tightening and my breathing become labored. The list was full of grumbling and it wasn’t helping me feel any better.

I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. Psalm 142:2

I wanted to be thankful, grateful, and count my blessings. Instead of banging out any more grievances on the keyboard, I asked God for His forgiveness and to help me see how truly blessed I really am. I was then able to softly type out all I had to be thankful for.

As I began typing, I found myself furiously pounding the keyboard again. But this time it was with the excitement of seeing all the wonderful blessings listed one after another. The list of blessings grew longer than the list of complaints and more good things kept coming to mind.

I was surprised at how fast the weight lifted from my chest and my breathing went back to normal as joy flooded my soul with God’s love and truth: I am blessed.

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

There will be days counting our blessings may be challenging, but let’s determine to bless the Lord and quit complaining!

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1