Sometimes, I need to stop complaining...

Okay, an explanation is required.

I whine.  Sometimes... a lot.  And its annoying.  To everyone.  Even me.  Why don't I stop?

Goooooooood question.

It takes a little self discipline. (Weeeellllll.... a lot, for me.)  However, in the past three days I have had a few run-ins with some very interesting doctrine against complaining.  (Yup.  Just so you know, the Lord has said don't do it.) ;)

Exhibit A:

In Sunday School, we read a quote from Elder Holland (who just so happens to be my favorite apostle, but that's beside the point.)  I will never forget this striking thought:

"I have often thought that Nephi's being bound with cords and beaten by rods must have been more tolerable to him than listening to Laman and Lemuel's constant murmuring. ...  Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland's maxims for living--

no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."

Wow.  Nice to know, right?

Exhibit B:

This morning, I started the Book of Mormon all over again.  Huzzah!  I'm excited!  I've determined to read it before finals week.  ...and it's going to be awesome.

Well, in this morning's reading, I read 1 Nephi 3.  Of course, we remember the famous, mastery scripture that is probably marked in four different colors in your matching copies of that splendid book.  Verse seven.  No one ever forgets verse seven.

BUT...in my hurry to get to verse seven, I have somehow always managed to gloss over verse six.  It's a treasure. :]

"Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured."

Yes, we will be blessed for simply doing what we are asked, but we will be blessed so much more if we do it willingly.  Without being nagged.  And without complaining.

God loves you.  God wants to bless us.  So, naturally, we should obey him because we want to.

Yes.