Inspiration to Stop Complaining

St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “In all things give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In this video, Fr. Mike shows us how to live up to that challenge, helping us to see that everything we complain about can be viewed as an opportunity to praise God. This isn’t just good advice. It is what’s required of us as Christians. Sure, we will have times when we need to vent to a confidant; but-as Fr. Mike suggests-keeping our complaining to a minimum is a great way to prove we are striving to do God’s will.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2rdOFy7)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2r32vUK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2rIYjfE)
YOU: Life, Love and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2nKLug5)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).

[@spinnyjb1]

I had a little 94 year old patient who always answered that “how ya doin?” question with “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in”. I’ll never forget that :) And he was adorable.

[@hannahmargaret_]

I gave up complaining for Lent one year, it was so hard! But it taught me to much.

[@justinthomas8684]

Isn't that complaining lol

[@renitafernandes2678]

I will try this now onwards for a month

[@diannaachando9160]

I’m going to start doing this...it’s the 3rd Sunday of lent already but I’m gonna start. Thank you for this awesome idea

[@bruhidk3069]

@@diannaachando9160 same

[@troykirton4574]

Whats wrong with complaining arent you human ??

[@AveMaria1917]

Lamentations is a great place to learn how to start complaining 🌹⚕️

[@jellojenna6]

Next time I feel like complaining, I will think of the gift or opportunity connected to it. Thank you, Fr. Mike!

[@marianamuniz4281]

I kept complaining so much and getting angry today so this I can already tell will help me!

[@musicsavantaccountant5856]

Fr Mike. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much. Your video today just answered my question. I am a complainer and a grumbler because my plans failed, I don't have the life I wanted, and live in a life I hate. But your video today, to be honest, struck me at the core. I should stop complaining and grumbling and instead look at the gift and opportunity on it. And I should give thanks to God for it. It's a hard and painful lesson to take. But I must do it because it's God's will and it's the right thing to do. Please pray for me Fr Mike. Thank you very much.

[@musicsavantaccountant5856]

@Richard2815. I advise you also watch Fr Mike's video regarding hope. That video will help supplement this one. It makes not complaining more easier to bear because of the hope and trust we have with Jesus Christ. Glad I was able to help. :)

[@sherrielauderdale8044]

Music Savant Accountant I will pray for you too.

[@womblechops943]

As long as we have a beat in our heart, and a breath in our chest. We're blessed.

[@hopemosher4201]

Hi wondering if this works. Fr. Mike I love you. Keep up the good work. Times are hard. Even as my Grandmama would say they are really good.

[@theloneangler3320]

Aye...👍💜✝️🎣🇺🇸

[@VoidDweller86]

But not every position is a favorable, positive position to be in though, in some positions it would seem better to not have even been born to begin with.

[@mansasedanu-kwawu5122]

An Attitude of Gratitude.

[@rebeccaalderman1393]

I might be exhausted and sore with pulled muscles, But... my classroom is half painted a beautiful color, everything has been moved, the layout has been designed, And we found extra storage cabinets to make up for the lack of closets and shelves. It's gonna be a good school year! Praise God! ❤

[@christopherjohnson1873]

No need to complain in a world where all things work together for your good.

[@acolish]

Guilty as charged! One of my strengths/weaknesses is that I have an acute awareness where things are lacking and where they fall short of the ideal. This can be a strength when it stirs me to action and I decide to take on responsibility for the change. But all too often, I fall into a defeatist mentality and just complain, which is ultimately just a copout. Complaining is a constant struggle for me which is why doing a daily examen where I focus on thanking the Lord for the graces and blessings he had given me. This helps to cultivate the virtue of gratitude. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!" - Phil 4:4

[@chenteguerrero8391]

How does it feel to be priest in a church full of pedophiles??

[@stephenreilly8024]

Chente Guerrero I pray that you ask and then allow the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and heal your wounds of anger. God bless you.

[@chenteguerrero8391]

Stephen R brother Steve I felt the Holy Spirit and it’s telling me to expose the Catholic Church

[@pedinurse1]

thats me

[@scottyj6226]

That part about cultivating gratefullness, cut me. I struggle with that part about not grumbling and Espeacially about giving thanks in all things. (I think I struggle, because I tend to take things literally and personally.)

[@alyssiakirkhart]

Great video, Father Mike. Last year, I challenged myself to interrupt anxiety with gratitude. Gotta be honest, a lot of times I had to actually stop and say it out loud, "Yeah, you're upset, but think of something you're grateful for. Now, think of two things. Three things." Never once did the anxiety outweigh all those beautiful blessings.

[@briankelly7632]

Thank you for this! Will start today interrupting anxiety with gratitude.

[@MiniTangled]

I am so guilty of this, on a crazy, massive level.😓

[@aesir2738]

Everytime I complain, I tell myself Jesus suffered worse, be grateful.

[@joelee8837]

Thank you Father. My husband and mother both passed away this year. I have been struggling. I am going to make an effort to be thankful for all they added to my life.

[@aleconaco1991]

Thank you so much for this video, Father. It's really stuck with me. I'm not a huge complainer, but just like you said, I caught myself responding with the negatives and not seeing the opportunity from time to time. I actually was in the middle of writing a Facebook status complaining that the rain was going to make it a long commute to work today, but I remembered your video and instead felt thankful for having a job today. Thank you for your ministry! 🙏🏽

[@TheJoyoftheFaith]

That is so funny how you were about to write a complaining status. God is so good how He places things in our lives!

[@stephenfernald2490]

Just before I laid down and opened KZbin what was I doing? Grumbling and complaining! Thank you Fr Mike for an incredibly timely video. I will redouble my effort to in all things give thanks.

[@MsCorina222]

BE ALLWAYS HEALTHY IN JESUS NAME

[@TheJoyoftheFaith]

This resonated with me so much! We seldom notice when we are not sick and get all bummed out over it. Thank you Fr. Mike for challenging us to be more grateful for the times that we are healthy! All glory be to God!!

[@ash2357577]

"How are you doing today?" "Fine and you?" Literally every single time :p

[@CozyToni]

😂 yes, short and sweet. Helps avoid complaining.

[@TheCrunchyCatholics]

Absolutely!! Well stated! Remembering that annoyances are usually connected to opportunities and gifts is a great reminder for me

[@JohnR.T.B.]

"In all things, I give thanks to God." 🙏

[@daninspiration4064]

I use to complain alot, even complain about other people. What we need to focus on is what we have, instead of complaining about others feel compassion for them for they are blinded by the world. Pray for them and pray to ourselves to be thankful for every situation that came forth. I just recently lost a girlfriend because of my eagerness to rush into things. Now she only wants to fully rely on god. I complained, was selfish but through prayer I am starting to understand, If it wasn't for her feeling this way and needing separation I would not have the opportunity to reflect on my mistakes and is now praying to God more fervently to be in his Light at all times of each day.

[@KhmerH20]

that's how i'm feeling with my eye sights. Before i didn't notice how beautiful the world is. I'm very grateful for my glasses but it's never the same as seeing the world with the lens that God gives you.

[@sandyshore8787]

I love that, "I'm feeling awesome! I got rest and can breathe out of my nose! I never said that." I got a chuckle out of that! But it is so true. Gratitude and thankfulness should be a part of daily life. In the past I haven't always thought that way, or have thought but I have all these problems- why me. I have been praying about things a lot. I also discovered your videos Father Mike and they have helped me so much to understand so many things. I just watched your video about Finding God in Darkness, I felt like I was in a dark place for a long time for various reasons . But recently I felt I came out of that darkness and it has been lifted. You had said "Keep praying and pushing that boat, the tide may get low, but then it comes back again- but keep pushing and praying no matter what is happening." So true. I had sent a prayer petition to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception online one day. They will pray for you daily. They sent me a card with verses from Phillipians 4:6-7, Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It has helped me so much to now give thanks to God every time I pray and be thankful for each day. I believe what you had said about things happening in our life being an opportunity and gift in our life, even if at the time we may not understand it. I thank you for your time and your videos Father Mike.

[@sarahapple4427]

Fr mike always upload the right video for me, at the right time! 😊

[@saraab67856]

Sarah Apple SAME FOR ME! hahahaha, Is a bless

[@mamaedina1]

Holy Spirit loves us 😊

[@marykatebockhahn706]

Thanks Fr. Mike. In all things give thanks!

[@susy8144]

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Every single time I struggle with my faith, with the will of our LORD, etc. this wonderful priest gives me these answers that blow my mind. Praise and glory to GOD for speaking to us through Father Mike! I was lamenting over this massive burden I am carrying. But I just didn´t see GOD´s massive gift and opportunity behind it. THANK YOU, Father Mike! GOD BLESS YOU!

[@beverlyhanlon8101]

I have been working hard this yr. not to complain about my problematic issues. I am doing good. This is something I believe God wanted me to do. Its so easy to get caught in.

[@HelloWorld-lz2zr]

I love this! I have a chronic illness but I am always trying to figure out how to answer the 'how are you/hows it going' question without lying so this gives me some ideas on when to vent and what to say to keep it positive! and thankful :-) Also I'm a winter moaner, so got to knock that on the head !

[@TacosnZorro]

You are braver than I. I'd be the most miserable person to be around if I had a chronic illness. I complain about everything! God bless you and I hope you are doing okay.

[@gracesamita]

fr mike can you please make a video on how to deal with nerves and anxiety.

[@TheJoyoftheFaith]

Tanzee, please let me know if this video helps. My wife and I share some examples of dealing with anxiety. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmKlqapnodJrh5o . We talk about exam stress at 7 minutes into the video.

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

Fast and pray and ask for deleverance

[@joyyoung3319]

Too blessed to be stressed!

[@paulbany6603]

Well said Father! Praise and glory be God for His love, mercy, and wisdom. Amen!

[@rosieroberts6738]

May God bless you, Fr Mike, for being our special GIFT, always!!! ✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️

[@reneepoudrier7981]

As always, a timely exhortation. Thank you.

[@johnsantony4697]

Let The Holy Fire of Gospel spread across the Globe .

[@edavis6146]

This sure hit home. I am always working on this it seems. What is interesting is how people encourage this!

[@j.r.r5863]

Father Mike Our Lord is doing so much good through you!

[@nariko47]

Always count your blessings ♡

[@ariel62426]

May i tell you my secret inspiration that helps to remind me to reduce my complaining? Listening to you, Fr. Mike! You're such a gift to us! Glory be to God, blessed be the Lord, praised be the Lord!

[@jonathangoodwin646]

I don't talk to people very much other than my kids . And also My brothers and sisters Is at church going to Mass . Because I don't know anyone knows I don't work I'm retired . Of course I talked to my wife whenever there's a problem She's Listener She always comes up with a solution.

[@torikern6290]

I'm guilty of this far too often. I go to school full time and work 15-20 hours per week, so I don't have a lot of free/rest time anymore, but I try to remind myself of all the good. God has given me a job that I love, with good coworkers, and He has blessed me with an education that (hopefully) will enable me to start a career I love. God is good even through hardships. God bless you, Fr. Mike!

[@seallustrator]

Thank you very much Father.

[@FrancesShear]

Inspiration is important in addition to remembering not to give advice unless first being asked and whenever being asked for advice and then realizing that you don't know everything. What good is it going to do whenever choosing to be complaining only ever to a robot? It is only ever going to be a waste of time. That is what taking an online course at the church 2 blocks away is for where after every zoom call lecture you can email the teacher any more questions left you still have.

[@haveanicedayhaveaniceday830]

one word, FABULOUS.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Sometimes the little talks are the powerful talks. Thank you and may God stay within the center of your world.

[@claudiayanirarojas1808]

Wow, thank you Father Mike! Guilty, complaining has become my middle name 🤦‍♀️ I’m grateful and somehow I always find myself complaining.

[@Nostalgianostalgia7]

Wow I learned so much and got a better perspective on complaining. I was sad but this got me feeling a whole lot better 🙏🏼❤️

[@debbiemaligalig3176]

This is good. I want to give up complaining for a day. I will do my best not to complain. You sound so good with this. I want to help (the opportunity) to help. Debbie.

[@pauldudley1200]

God bless everyone!

[@charlottemullican2160]

I really needed to hear this today. Thank you!

[@ChrissyVee5]

What a great way to look at things. Thank you❤️🙏🏻

[@sueburnett8909]

Father Mike I always feel better after watching one of your videos. Thank you!

[@MarioColorado]

Great video, thanks father Mike!!! 👍👍

[@markmccann8356]

Thank you for your humility, transparency, honesty, and humor. These are so simple and yet we forget about them. Thank you for the gentle reminder...Blessings!

[@kimfleury]

I hope your knee gets better, Father :)

[@microbroadcast]

Was just considering this area of my life and the Lord led me to you channel (again!). Thanks for posting Fr. Mike.

[@michaelpax1469]

Sometimes we may complain because everything seems to go wrong or people may mistreat us through emotional or physical abuse, etc or betray us, etc - and in some cases it may go for long. I would say to dwell in that in the end, no matter how far that end may be, all things work together for good for them that love God, and in that in our patience we ought to bear our souls. The longer the trial the greater the reward. Long-suffering in silence brings spiritual richness transforming us into a polished diamond and yet on top of our inner transformation God rewards us nonetheless in the end for our faithfulness and for with our behaviour having given glory to his name in the presence of others.

[@k.m.1993]

You have a real gift Father. You always seem to talk about what I need the most at the right time! I'm so guilty of complaining, and after I indulge in it I don't even feel better. Thank you so much for your insightful teaching. You are in my prayers, Father. And get well soon.

[@amruthabibiana.d3551]

I was complaining and cribbing about my assignments the whole. Thank you Father got making me realize it's God's opportunity for me.

[@Alicia-sb6pu]

Thank you Father so much this video

[@llp7261]

I needed this right now...

[@MariaPullatt]

I remember one time, my vicar was advising us not to be so negative about things in life; because if we dwell on that too much, the negativity from a 1000 miles would board a plane to come and live with us. He was right.

[@sandrad8640]

Maria Pullatt good one

[@mamaedina1]

😆

[@meski6651]

This is the greatest day of my life, watch the reaction you get when you say that. Try it

[@JuanRuiz-nv5kx]

Thank you!, father

[@gabbicherry8231]

Jesus sure does work through you Fr Mike!

[@rosieroberts6738]

Wow, this was perfect!!! I had to save this!!! Thank you Fr Mike!!! ✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️

[@briankelly85]

The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on...

[@gracesamita]

thanks fr mike your videos have really helped me through out college.

[@divinegoddess3060]

Sometimes u have to be grateful for life and health. Shifting focus helps.

[@shannonabeywardena7323]

Thanks, Father Mike!!

[@Rbreaux87]

I've started approaching those who tend to complain about (you name it) with the simplest of retort..."Good Morning"..."Good Day"..etc. (kinda catches them off guard...)...thanks, as usual, for perspective...

[@lauriemccrackenalsted9778]

Thank you, Father! I sure appreciate your messages, your delivery, your passion, and how current your topics are.

[@rachelgomes6470]

God bless you

[@leonanicolee]

Thank you for this!

[@emila4106]

Wonderful father, I will never complain again☺️

[@naomiwelch6715]

Great lesson!

[@aleataholloway9013]

Thank you ❤

[@fr.mikeschmitz-mostmesmeri507]

ANOTHER wonderful upload Father Mike and as usual I just hang on to your every word. Oh yes if ever we do excell in anything at best its grumbling. In fact it's just gets to be one lousy habit and on top of our list too. Well you know what gonna give it a good try and work on it like you said Father. I'm always waiting for you to go on and on so that when it ends I feel like saying get back here father Mike and just keep talking! ;))) God bless you and ALL those around you Father, you are always in my prayers.

[@rubykanja]

I know I complain alot and after watching this it's got to stop. Thanks for the video. Greetings from Kenya

[@michellecairns2396]

God Bless

[@mothersdormlife]

learned a lot Fr Mike, God bless you and may make u happy in this life and in the next! Mama Mary keep you always! Ave Maria!

[@gracewright1424]

I needed this today! Thank you so much!

[@MsCorina222]

Tremendeous Teachings.THANK YOU

[@annaj1927]

Thank you

[@YellowLine08]

Dear Fr. Mike, thank you so much for all your good work! Your videos have been a wonderful source of inspiration for me, my family and many friends. Wondering if you would consider doing a video on the church’s stance on A.I. Thanks again and may our Lord shower you with His grace!

[@imommtube]

As always, wonderful , thanks a lot

[@briankelly7632]

Inspiring words. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@beam8250]

Inspired! Thank you Fr. Mike 💙.

[@papabeer61]

Thanks. I needed this today.

[@simsimt.8171]

Wooow very inspirational, great topic you covered today Fr. Mike we all need to hear & learn this 👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 God bless you and thank you father 🙏

[@josephcervi2675]

Thank you for another fantastic video!!! May God bless you.

[@andrmayfield1658]

I just love you....

[@lisa-tm5ix]

Thanks Fr. Mike! 😁💙

[@JutterMoon]

Thank you so much for this video! I've watched it twice now when I'm feeling frustrated at everything I need to do, but this is so uplifting and inspiring and I always leave feeling much more grateful and inspired to get to work! :)

[@sstritmatter2158]

I think it's normal to have some complaints when things are wrong because it's like pain and without it we would ignore what needs to be corrected. It's another thing to be negative a lot and always bringing up drudgery. If perpetuated and grown it can lead to things like loathing and self-pity. While I sometimes forget this in the midst of complaining I try to remember visiting the Third World and seeing true destitute poverty. Homeless children on a cardboard scrap over a filthy sidewalk next to a gutter naked under the unforgiving tropical sun. Where would be their next meal? Would they get clean drinking water? What happens when they get sickness? I remember this scene now vividly from years ago and I wonder where are they today? How many times have I complained since then? It's a reality check.

[@Densmith43]

YOU BE ALL THAT . DON'T BE ALL NOT . HAVE THE COURAGE TO BE ALL WORKING OF THINGS TO DO .

[@light-sj6fe]

This is super true..thank u for reminding me; in Islam it's the same idea;to be greatful in life❤❤❤..I've tried being grateful recently and I swear I have seen so much things to be happy about..in fact many things don't bother me anymore😆😆😃😃😁

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thanks Fr God Bless! :)

[@kellyhardie8060]

Awesome as usual. I really enjoy your videos. Also you keep it short and sweet. God Bless