Last week I talked about a dreaded disease called The Grumps, which is very prevalent this time of year. It presents with symptoms such as crabbiness, impatience, a short fuse, and a perpetual scowl. And as with most illnesses, prevention is the best strategy to keep from contracting this highly contagious disease.
But what if you already have The Grumps? What is the cure?
One of the best things I know to cure The Grumps is to start saying thank you.
It is hard to make yourself start thanking God for stuff when you are in a foul mood. Because all you want to do is whine and gripe. But complaining is like coughing without covering your mouth—it’ll just make everyone around you as miserable as you are.
But when you recognize The Grumps coming on and choose to give thanks, no matter how you feel, it will turn things around.
What do I mean by giving thanks? No, I don’t mean saying meaningless platitudes. Be honest with yourself, and with God. Own your mood. And start thanking God right there. For example, you could pray something like this:
- Thank you, Father, that I’m not always this crabby.
- Thank you that you can reach down and pull me out of this pity party.
- Thank you for loving me like I am, in the middle of all my mess. And you love everyone else in the same way.
- And thank you that I’m learning from your example how to love others the way you love me.
- Thank you that someone else’s mood doesn’t have to affect my state of mind.
- Thank you for your grace. And forgiveness. That I can let this go and move forward.
- Thank you for the gift of laughter.
One of the best cures for The Grumps is gratitude. When we start to thank God, right where we are, right as we are, He lifts us out of our foul mood and restores our joy.
If you liked this post, you might enjoy my Complaint and Contentment Series – read Part 1 here!
Leave a Reply