St. Paul United Methodist Church

Additional words to live by according to Francis De Sales, The Devout Life:

“Try not to complain.  Egotism always thinks the injuries are worse than they are.  Most importantly, never complain to someone who is quick-tempered and cranky.  If you absolutely must protest to someone in order to correct an offense or to recover your peace of mind, then find a calm person who really loves God.  For the hot-tempered person, instead of helping your situation, will stir up even more trouble.  Instead of pulling the thorn out of your foot, that person will drive it in even deeper.”

What would your life look like it if everyone complained less?  Often when we complain, we make things worse.  De Sales mentioned something worth remembering which is that if we do complain, then complain to someone who is not quick-tempered or cranky.  Their response might make things worst.  Non-anxiousness breeds non-anxiousness!  Cultivate a non-anxious presence.