Some people have turned complaining into an art form. If you say, "I don't have anything to complain about," they are happy to offer some suggestions. They count their many blessings and then complain that there aren't more of them.

In Numbers 21 we read that the people of Israel had become a nation of complainers. They turned up their noses at God's menu, they despised the desert, they rebelled against Moses, and they spoke against God. To despise God's blessings is to despise God. That's why He punished the Israelites.

They were like the old man who approached a young stranger in the post office and asked, "Sir, would you address this postcard for me?" The man gladly did so, and then offered to write a short note for the old fellow. Finally the stranger asked, "Now, is there anything else I can do for you?" The old man thought a moment and said, "Yes, at the end could you add, 'Please excuse the sloppy handwriting.'"

God doesn't take our complaining lightly. Such words despise His grace. It is far better to stop and count our blessings--to think about them and thank God for them. Then, in addition to all He has given us, He will give us a grateful heart.  — Haddon W. Robinson