Yesterday, I was talking to my daughter, Caitlyn Su. She, like me, is in lockdown because of COVID. I praise God the only symptom she has is a sore throat. But being the mother of three beautiful little monsters, it is best for her to isolate herself for their protection.
As we talked, I explained that my greatest talent is whining and with COVID, I have elevated whining and complaining to an art form. Caitlyn Su said I the typical male and that I suffered from Manflu. She said her husband, Mark, whom I think the world of, also suffered from Manflu. This was a term I had never heard before.
Caitlyn Su explained.
Manflu is a malady that only strikes men. It means whenever we have a cold, runny nose, headache, the flu, itchy eyes, an ingrown toenail, a blister, stiff back, a splinter, or anything else, we whine, complain, moan, groan, and act as if it is the most devastating thing anyone ever suffered. We mope around the house and make sure the rest of the world knows just how miserably sick we are.
I responded, “What’s your point.”
She explained Manflu was something women were not allowed to have. They just had to suck it up and keep moving on.
I responded, “What’s your point.”
Then I started thinking, which doesn’t happen very often.
There are people (like me) who think the whole world revolves around them. These are the people who act as if the world is about to end because they are sick. This outlook is not restricted to self-centered men. I know some women who also suffer from Manflu.
Then there are those who see the bigger picture. These are the ones, who even though they may not be at 100 percent, they soldier on, because they know there’s nothing productive about whining and complaining.
Today you have a choice. While you may not suffer a physical ailment, something won’t go your way. Flat tires, missed deadlines, children forgetting their homework, irritable bosses, rude cashiers, careless drivers, and sick whining pastors are a part of life. They happen to all of us. It is how we respond that matters.
Choose today to see God has made a beautiful world. Choose to remember God is active in your life. Choose to remember God loves you more than life itself. Choose to remember that no matter what happens today, God is by your side, and you overcome any obstacle. Choose to trust that no matter what happens in your life, God will bring good out of it. Choose to not have Manflu.
Paul said, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguingso that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights,holding out to them the Word of Life.”(Philippians 2:14-16a)
So today, unless you are Mark or me, you have no reason to act like you have Manflu. The world will continue to keep turning.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I feel sorry for myself and am about to throw a pity party, remind me how very blessed I am. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Needless whining and complaining goes against the idea of being blessed beyond measure. The way we focus is our choice. Choose to feel blessed.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 