After writing this, I considered not sharing it.  I don't know if readers will disagree or agree, but I want to share because my own tongue needs to be tamed.

Sometimes we share to help put things in perspective.  To have a sounding board.  With the right counsel, we can be set straight again with proper perspective.  But to do that, we must have the proper sounding board, not just "yes friends."

It seems that we, women in particular, have the need to vent.  We complain, and then our friends often commiserate with us.  Not only does a friend offer a listening ear, but she understands, or at least considers, our perspective and helps us to feel better.  Maybe we just want a bigger pity party.

But really, through all of the complaining, we are not benefiting the situation, ourselves, or anyone else.  We may feel better after complaining, but it does not change the real problem-our lack of gratitude.  I write this because I need to remind myself of that.  I don't think I am always a complainer, but I do have the tendency to make "observations" that are not always so kind to the circumstance.

Now that I use Facebook, I see more and more who gripe about the big and the little.  Sometimes it is cute and appropriate, I might add...you know, when someone shares that their child just did that shocking thing.  I may be amused that you saw a mouse, three spiders, and a snake in your garage today.  But other times, it is not cute.  It is just complaining...especially about people.

Here at This Simple Home, I try to keep my posts positive, though honest.  I could tell you about the personality "conflicts" between my children.  The bickering.  The frustration.  My lack of effective parenting.  But I don't want to complain.  I did, however, share briefly about my response to some of these situations, because it was a new understanding for me.   I'm not able to articulate much more than that, at this time, nor am I certain if I want to in this forum.  However, it was clear to me from the comments and emails that my blogging friends appreciated that candor.  One thing I do understand is that if I only offer the negative/problems/complaints, then I am only venting.  That is not beneficial to my readers.  (Nor is it glorifying to God, which I do care about, even if some of my readers do not.)  Unless I can articulate a solution, I will stay mum.  The struggle is to remain "real" to the readers here...for you to know that all is not perfect in This Simple Home, but I am really attempting to be content with where I am and all of my circumstance.

My regular readers know that I am a Christian.  I feel that it is important for me to carefully consider what I place online (on the blog or Facebook).  I do not use harsh (or crude) language in life, and have noticed that while others do...though it doesn't help their "cause."

I want to tame my tongue...and my heart.  I need to replace my bad attitude with gratitude.  For me, I think that means focusing not on myself or my situation, but on my heavenly Father.

A few things have been helping...and convicting...me recently.  The books The Beautiful Wife and Choosing Gratitude (linked to my thoughts) and Proverbs 31, including this verse (from the ESV).

Edited: Please do read the comments below for some great insight and bit of discussion.

~ Annette {This Simple Mom}