Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
St. Paul lays a tough request on us: "Do all things without murmuring and arguing." But we love to murmur and we love to argue. Everyday we encounter irritations, both large and small, that draw a murmur or provoke an argument. Paul calls upon us to be glad and rejoice. Why does it seem easier and more natural to murmur and argue, than to rejoice and be glad? We are ready to criticize, but wary of being complimentary. Try this exercise today. Every time you want to say something critical, rephrase your comment to say something positive. It is easy to turn negative, but tough to be positive. But so much more is achieved by praise than criticism. And do this too. Smile and watch how it changes your mood and makes being positive easier.
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I will take your challenge. I find that when I am positive, things just go better. I think letting go of negative thoughts and living in the moment, I can smile.
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