When we ask after someone's well-being how often do we have to brace ourselves, ready to hear a list of complaints? We rarely hear of total contentment even in church circles and frequently overhear grumbling wherever we go. Yet if anyone had multiple causes for complaint it was the apostle Paul. He wrote to the church in Philippi saying that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Not only was he writing from prison but he had suffered physically, emotionally and spiritually far more than most of us could ever imagine. Even so, he said that he had learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.

This little book is designed to explore some commonly heard complaints and to consider how Paul had learned not to grumble when troubles came his way. We can be slow learners, but his secret is open to all - so on with the L plates.