This weekend I went Indiana and I got to hang out with my family. Which is always good because I feel I get a boost on wisdom. It’s like I get to come home with a bunch of one-liners to think about. One issue I’ve been having, is what is okay for venting and when does frustration become grumbling and complaining (by the way this is in no way directed to anyone or anything in my life). I owe the next section to my brother-in-law Dave. 

Sometimes there are things to be said to people that are meant for the wind.
A lot can be learned from Job’s three friends and how (and it’s been a while since I read it) occasionally a few would chide Job for airing his frustrations. There is something to be said for someone that needs to talk out what he is holding in. Who doesn’t get frustrated or hurt on occasion? Who doesn’t need to speak his heart and share what he is holding on with a close confidant? 

On the flip side of things there is Mr. Negativity. “Well the day would be good, but…” Who tends to forget that God is gracious, that so many things have come from his hands. Bitterness and frustration are the outcome of his heart. God is a good God. Good things that we enjoy in life come from his hand. To acknowledge our Creator at the end of the day and to take the good and the bad from the hand of God with thankfulness is a mark of the Holy Spirit.