I'm one of those folks who honestly doesn't mind filling out most surveys. Case in point: this afternoon I tackled a questionnaire dealing with the development of our community's official plan. One section of the opinion poll dealt with sustainable growth and economic development. "Good," I thought, "I've thought about this a lot."
After inserting initial demographics, lived here so many years, I'm a female and I'm definitely in the highest age category, I moved on to the next page. "Prioritize these options" it read, or something to that effect. Dutifully I checked off Choices One, Two and Three. It was the following comment box that triggered my tirade.
"Provide some suggestions as to how progress could best be facilitated" I read, then lost it. "Tell people to stop crabbing!!!" I wrote, with nary a flicker of guilt. "I'm sick of CAVES (citizens against virtually everything) and NIMBYs (not in my back yard organizers)". Lest I revert to my normally gentle manner, I hit the button and headed for the next page.
While I'm not sure anything was achieved by my unorthodox responses, I felt better. Then I started thinking about how God views our responses to everyday living. Have you ever found yourself putting your back up when someone dared to suggest something other that "what we've always done"? I have.
And isn't it easy to criticize those in leadership, either in government or in church? How easily and cruelly we can strike at the heart of others!
My challenge for us this week: whenever we feel like complaining, let's think of someone to compliment, praise or support. While there are times we must speak out against something, let's do it with a right spirit.
"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Thessalonians 5:18
Amen
