Have you ever (like me) found yourself grumbling about all the work that you must do each day? My to-do list list seems long and tedious, and I grumble. The work I do for my family goes unnoticed, and I grumble. Projects that I work hard at don’t go my way and—you guessed it—I grumble. Oh, not all the time, and most of the time the grumbling isn’t even out loud. However silent, the unrest and unease are there, a vague grumbling in my heart. If I’m being honest with myself, my “inner monologue” can be full of gripes, complaints, and mutterings. This is the opposite of the peaceful, joyful person I want to be, so what’s a girl to do? For me, the keys are perspective and gratitude.
Like the laborers in today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 20:1-16), the truth is we are blessed to be able to be workers in God’s vineyard. I must constantly remind myself that I should be grateful for the opportunity to serve others in whatever way God calls me to. I should especially be thankful for the talents that God has blessed me with in order to build up His Church and support my family.
My attitude should be that of St. Paul’s from today’s second reading, that to be alive means to happily, contentedly work for Christ. My goal should also mirror his: to allow Christ to “be magnified” in my “fruitful labor” (Philippians 1:20,22). The response to God that I should have for all the good that He has blessed me with in my life should be gratefulness, not grumbling.
The next time you find yourself complaining (internally or externally), prayerfully offer this unrest to Christ. Thank Him for showing you your habit and ask Him to replace the grumbling with gratefulness. You also might consider journaling what you’re thankful for each day to help keep gratitude at the top of your mind. Another idea is to have your family share what each person is thankful for when you gather together for dinner.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all the good gifts you have given me. Help me to have a grateful heart and magnify You in all that I think, say, and do.