Cheese with that Whine?

I remember one day back in the 90s, I was whining and complaining about something to my co worker. She listened. When I came up for air, she simply asked “Do you want some cheese to go with that whine?” I never forgot it. Shout out to MM! It’s true, life can be tough. Crappy things happen to good people. Sometimes ‘stuff happens’ that will rock you to your core. But at some point, you have to deal with it, get over it, and move on.

When the unfavorable and unthinkable happens, it’s ok to express whatever emotion that gets you through. I even believe it’s ok to have a pity party. It can be comforting and therapeutic. However, like any party, there should be a start and end time. Don’t get stuck in a ‘woe-is-me’ mode.

Now that I’m in the 40s club, I’ve had my share of pain, heartbreak, disappointment and failure. When my mom and dad were laid to rest at ages 46 and 63 respectively, it would have been easy to get stuck in the ‘woe-is-me’ mode. Truth is – there are still times when the reality of them no longer physically being here is so overwhelming, that I want to curl up in a corner…but God. HE said in Matthew 5:4 (NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Generally speaking, I think most people have the ability to feel compassion. However, even the people who have the gift of compassion will get sick of hearing you whine.

The issue I see with whining is that it will eventually lead to what I call life paralysis. In my opinion as I mentioned in my previous blog, good or bad situations are experiences with a lesson to be learned. Staying too long at the pity party will stop you from moving forward. At this stage in my spiritual journey, I’ve decided the best thing I can do is accept what has happened, ask God what I should learn from it, respond appropriately and get ready for the next level. Situations come so that we can grow. Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Please understand, I still have an occasional pity party – some impressive ones I might add. But now, I work very hard not to stay too long. I try to do like the gospel song says – I’ll have a little talk with JESUS. I’ll tell HIM all about my troubles. I know HE’ll hear my cry. I’ll trust that HE will answer by and by.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT:  Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Stuff happens. Tell Jesus.

Be Encouraged! Be Blessed!

this Pastor’s Wife