Mini-Bible-Philosophy-Worldview Study (13) Of The Day- On Mistakes And The Folly Of Complaining
Verse Of The Day
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
Related Quotes
“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”- Bruce Lee
“Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent.”- Billy Graham
“Maturity is the ability to reap without apology and not complain when things don’t go well.”- Jim Rohn
Questions For Discussion
Are you quick to find fault with things like food and customer service?
Can you think of times when it would be appropriate to complain about something?
What is your personal definition of “constructive criticism”?
Do you think God is a critical viewer of your existence?
Bonus Verses
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [sic] (Phillipians 2:14)
Commentary- On Not Quite Made To Order Lives And Complaining
Craig note- Sometimes, restaurants and the universe don’t exactly give us what we ordered no matter where we live.
On Wrong Orders
Three weeks in a row. That’s how many times my favorite hamburger shop screwed up my lunch order. I might have chalked it up to a miscommunication, but I go there every Saturday for lunch. And, generally, I order the exact same thing.
The first time I ordered two vegetable burgers and a teriyaki burger. But, I got two vegetable burgers and a “moon-viewing” burger.
That is a seasonal special here in Japan. It is typically a hamburger with a fried egg on top. I like that burger, so I was not too disappointed my order was wrong. The second time I ordered my usual lunch, but I got it “for here.”
Clearly, this made the cashier nervous.
I always get my lunch to-go, but I had some time to kill. The cashier took my order, and she gave me the total. It was far more expensive than usual.
I suppose I could have said something, but I did not. I forked over a couple of bills, and I waited for my lunch at the counter. The cashier handed me a tray with four hamburgers!
I was hungry, so I ate them.
The third time I ordered a “wide” burger.
It was a new special.
I always try out the new sandwiches at the place.
It makes for easy content for social media. I also ordered a small tea. Once more, I waited for my lunch at the counter.
And, it was wrong.
I got my hamburgers, but they were regular burgers. My receipt showed I ordered “wide” hamburgers. Again, I should have said something.
But, I did not.
On Complaining To The Universe
Sometimes, I wonder how this is my “order” in the universe. While my life is grand but it never quite matches my wishes, desires, or expectations.
I am left to ask as I throw my hands towards the heavens, “Why is that?”
Alas, I never get an answer.
Perhaps, the universe got my “order” wrong. There is always the chance I read the menu wrong. Maybe, I walked into the wrong “restaurant.” I suppose I should have said something.
But, I doubt I did as I am not the grumbling type.
I realized that after this many years in Japan, it is rare for me to complain about things that do not go my way. I don’t know if that is a good thing. I see other foreigners complaining about a lot here.
I ‘hate’ those folks.
On People Who Complain
I saw a young-looking expat a few months ago complaining to some shopkeeper about something or other. Clearly, the foreigner felt she was in the right. Maybe, she was, but…
The poor little, old Japanese woman behind the counter looked like she wanted to disappear.
It was a terrible scene.
The expat stayed animated for a minute. But, in the end, the expat’s hissy-fit worked. She got whatever it is she had wanted. And, the foreigner left happy, well, as happy as someone like that can be in life.
Good for her, I guess.
On Lives For Here Or To-Go
What if upon my creation in the universe, I would have complained to get what I wanted out of my life?
One supposes arguing with an Almighty God does not end well. But, it might have been worth $%$%-ing…at least a little. To be sure, I am looking forward to my chance in the afterlife to ask, or better yet, perhaps, start: “complaining.”
Grey, Grizzled, and Gaijin
