I am one of a small group of women.  They are some of the nearest and dearest to my heart.  A challenge has been posted.  Try to live complaint free.  This interested me, because not long ago, I posted on Facebook:

Do everything without complaining or arguing,�so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe… (Philippians 2:14-15)

I believe my quote said, “I will learn Pil 2:14-15 even if it kills me.

And it may…

The gist behind the challenge is that I have to change a bracelet from wrist to wrist every time I find myself complaining.  Easy, right?  Nope.  I started yesterday; while friends were on days 4 and 6…I must have switched my bracelet 6 times.  I’ve already switched it once today (it’s only 7am now).

I understand the reason for switching bracelets….doing something that has no connection with complaining (switching the bracelet) makes me aware of what I’m doing (complaining).  A habit can’t be broken until the habit is truly recognized.  So, now I am sending silly emails like this:

“who lives in a house without band-aids? I do”
*switching wrist*

“people should not talk on the cell phone while in a public restroom!!”
*switching wrist*

I am beginning to understand what makes me angry, or upset and I can begin to try to control it.  It’s about consciously making decisions not to tear others down.  That part is not funny in the least; I do not enjoy admitting that I do tear others down when I get angry.  The point is to change my behavior so that I am more the person God intended me to be.

I’ve told the girls that they may need to choke me with the bracelet at some point, and no one said they wouldn’t.  J  They’re such an inspiration to me, even if this challenge kills me. 

ugh.  *switching bracelets*