A Sandwich Generation Granny Nanny Seeking to Replace Arguing and Complaining with Praising and Thanksgiving

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I was toying with the idea of buying another bed mattress for unexpected company. I didn't want to spend a lot on it as I wasn't sure how much use it would get. As a Sandwich Generation granny nanny, most of my overnight company is my young grandkids who wouldn't care about the quality. I called a couple of the discount furniture stores and at one, when I asked how much the least expensive twin mattress was, he replied, "Well, in the store, we have a good quality one for $89."

Since I wasn't in a rush, and thinking he meant he might have a less expensive one NOT in the store, I asked if that was his least expensive one. He then started complaining about me asking for a cheaper mattress, saying, "I am getting that question a lot and I just don't get it. You should really try a better quality one." When I explained I didn't need more quality, he kept on complaining and even arguing with me about it.

I politely thanked him and hung up, thinking, "Wow! That is a TERRIBLE way to try to get more customers!" As I thought about it, though, I realized complaining and arguing are a continual problem nowadays and that's nothing new. In Philippians 2:14 (NIV), Paul tells the early Christians,

"Do everything without complaining or arguing"

Grandkids do it…grandparents do it! Sadly – I must confess I do it! Talk about mega conviction. Of course, the opposite of this bad habit is thanking and praising God! After all, if we are thanking Him and praising Him, it's harder to complain.

I'm afraid, though, that on a really bad day or a really sick day, I've found ways to do even that:

"Lord, thank you I feel so cruddy." "Lord, do I have to feel so awful!" Lord, I'm sorry I was complaining. I'm choosing to trust You." "Lord, I feel SOOO sick!" "Lord, forgive me…"

You get the idea. 🙂 Most of the time, however, when we are praising and thanking God, we are less likely to be whining. And what perfect timing to be thinking about this with Thanksgiving right around the corner. So, here's another picture with some uplifting Bible verses to encourage us all, starting with me, to work on replacing that arguing and complaining with…

Rejoice always;

pray without ceasing;

in everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Isn't it awesome knowing and trusting in the will of God for us? What a blessing! For more encouraging Bible verses to bless those of us in the Sandwich Generation, praising and thanking God as we are caring for elderly parents and grandkids…