Tested

I've found myself complaining a bit more so lately than before. I'm not impressing myself, especially when I try to justify it with some circumstantial reasoning.

"Why does it always have to be so hard to:   (Fill in the blank)  "

We are tested because its only under pressure that the truth of who we are comes out.
think back to the last time you got really upset, angry or hurt and if you take a look at what the underlying cause of your response was, you'll begin to understand the stature of your heart.

Open a soda, take a sip and I'm sure it'll taste great. Shake it up a bit first to add some pressure and you wont mistake what is inside the can.

All I mean to say is that even if you aren't  Christian you may understand when one of the apostles writes in the bible to consider it pure joy when you face many trials and tests. This is not some pseudo-sadist comment. Its a note to have a joyful heart because complaining will keep you right where you are. Complaining means your focus is on what you dislike, and where your focus is you will go. Rejoicing and beginning to understand that this pressure and these tests sharpen who you are and force you to stand by the things you have chose for yourself (which are being tested) will take you leaps and bounds beyond the greatness of the person you already are. Keep your head up, heart strong and take your joy with you everywhere you go.
God is bigger than our circumstances.