Do all things without grumbling or disputing.

Philippians 2:14

The new year is a good time for personal challenges that grow our character. This is the one I’m doing in 2026: Every time I grumble or complain, I will count at least one blessing.

Grumbling is a tempting part of aging. It seems that each day brings a new ache, pain, or loss. Our losses are valid to the Lord, and He wants us to cast all our cares on Him. Yet we can grow more Christlike as we count our blessings and thank and praise God even when life is hard.

I invite you to make this exchange in the new year. Every time you grumble, count at least one blessing. With practice, you’ll be able to count three, five, or even 10 blessings in exchange for each pain, ache, or loss. Doing this daily can renew our attitudes and rewire our thinking.

Sarah Geringer
Jackson, MO

Jesus, help me count my blessings when I’m tempted to grumble. Amen.

Reflect: Ask one or two friends to join you in this New Year’s exchange.

Read: Exodus 16:8 and 1 Peter 5:7