At one of our last parties we were playing a game in which you were supposed to imagine a person in a certain scenario and then select an option from a short list that best suited them. One particular round we were selecting for me under the imagining that what I would do if I worked in construction. The majority selected "take charge" or "make some analytical suggestion" but there was one loner. A friend aptly chose "grumble about the work."

Her choice cut deep for it was very apt indeed. Furthermore, today as I trying to mention that I was content with life, I was stopped in my lie. My excessive complaining had bore the truth of my character. I know that this was a problem for me and I am working on correcting it but I had created an image of myself that will not quickly disperse.

A man does not complain about his situation. He does not moan about his misfortunes or about how the future isn’t exactly how he thought it’d be. He does not grumble, he does not mutter, he does not "rawr rawr rawr…" He does not make excuses.

Such a man is weak. His very character is in question. He implies and gives testimony to his inability to cope or deal. Additionally, it suggests his unwillingness to change things and make them better.

How can the vow that I’ll eventually make to my Beloved of her protection and provision be taken sincerely in that case? Or even more practically and to the present, how can I be trusted that I can take care of something if all I’m known for is complaining and grumbling?

If there’s something to complain about, don’t dwell upon the complaint. Instead…either shut up or do something about it! That is how a real man addresses the issue.

The call to do something about my complaints has struck me hard. It is past time to move from a passive state of discontentment to an active pursuit of betterment. There’s much work to be done ahead of me. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.

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