Grumbling and complaining is a bad habit that is very difficult to break. I know. I have personally struggled with it. It is so easy to find fault and to tear down. It takes work to see the good and focus on what is right and well.

I must admit, I've really been struggling with this lately. Just because I write about this stuff and work very hard at consistently applying the principles I promote in my own life, doesn't mean I've arrived. However, I am committed to doing better in this area, and I give you permission chastise me if you hear me grumbling and complaining.

I don't always see things as I should and that is when I am most apt to criticize, condemn or complain. My vision can get pretty blurred, just like the man in this short story that really spoke to me. Allow me to share it with you.

A businessman was highly critical of his competitors' storefront windows. "Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town," he claimed. Fellow business people grew tired of the man's continual criticism and nitpicking comments about the windows.

One day over coffee, the businessman carried the subject just too far. Before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested the man get his own windows washed. He followed the advice, and the next day at coffee, he exclaimed, "I can't believe it. As soon as I washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his too. You should see them shine."

Isn't it amazing how when we take care of our own issues, the whole world looks a lot clearer and brighter!