There is an old story of a hound dog sitting in a country store, howling his head off. A stranger came in and asked the store keeper, “What’s the matter with that dog?” The store keeper said, “He’s sitting on a cocklebur.”
“Well,” asked the stranger, “Why doesn’t he get off?” “Because,” replied the storekeeper, “He had rather holler.”
Some folks are like that. They’re chronic grouches, gripers, and grumblers. They are never satisfied. Their whole life is one negative thing after another. Do you know someone like that? Grumbling robs your life of joy, makes others around you miserable, ruins relationships, makes you to live miserable and die mad. That’s why I’m convinced that God had Paul write these very straightforward words, “Do everything without complaining or grumbling.” God knows the devastating, life-robbing effects of a negative, complaining spirit. God sent Jesus to bring the spirit of joy to life. God’s desire is that we replace grouchiness, and grumpiness, with graciousness and thanksgiving. When you find yourself in the grip of the grumbles, pause, and count your blessings, name them one by one, and see the goodness of life.
– Dr. Tim Thompson