Two people whom I know would rather not be named came to my rescue yesterday.

They did not change a flat tire or unclog a flooded basement.  They lent listening ears and comforting shoulders.  One did so without knowing how perfectly timed his entrance into my day had been.  One invited a confidence that perhaps went beyond what he expected. Both touched me in  lasting ways as they  have on other dark-edged days.

This journey to live complaint-free poses challenges that I struggle to overcome.  At times my task lightens when I think of those who face days with empty plates and shoeless feet.  Though I know life is not a competition, the physical struggle of poverty, addiction, terminal illness, or severe abuse and neglect certainly over-shadow what I face on this road.

That said, still, living without complaining poses difficulty for me.  Yesterday, the inconsiderate contractors building the most awful apartment building imaginable caused my resolve to snap by parking a couple of semi-trucks in the southbound lane of my street, causing traffic to divert into near head-on collisions.  Those folks have jangled many last nerves.  I hit 3-1-1 from my car phone and lodged a complaint with KCMO, knowing that doing so violates this mission.  I felt justified: safety hazards warrant exception.

But as to personal aggravations, I have gathered some enduring resolve.  My heart shudders from time to time, though; and when its more tender corners need a bit of salve, I find myself grateful for the friends who touch me so tenderly as the two who held me in their loving gaze last evening.

It’s the second day of the thirtieth month of My Year Without Complaining.  I woke with a smile this morning. Life continues.