If you’re gruntled and you know it, clap your hands!

I never know where inspiration is going to come from.

My great friend Gerre and I were trading puns on Sunday morning—as often happens when Gerre and Gerry are in the same room—and I told him that I was feeling absolutely gruntled.

He said, “You’re disgruntled?”

“No, I’m the opposite of disgruntled. I’m gruntled.”

He laughed as I continued singing, “If you’re gruntled and you know it clap your hands!”

He said, “That could be a blog post.”

Ta-da!

Through about ten minutes of extensive research, I discovered that “gruntled” was actually created as a back-formation of “disgruntled.” The first known use of “disgruntled” was in 1830. The first known use of “gruntled” was in 1904.

Today’s etymology lesson was brought to you by merriam-webster.com. You’re welcome.

I’m wondering today how many gruntled people exist.

Whoever they are, they apparently aren’t very active on social media … or in church … or in the grocery store … or any other place where people are required to interact with each other.

Maybe that’s why “disgruntled” is the more common word—because it’s the more common state of existence.

I’m calling today for the gruntled among us to stand up and be counted! 

Sing with me—even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket—“If you’re gruntled and you know it clap your hands!”

Ok, mister happy-clappy! Are you even paying attention? There are SO many reasons to be disgruntled!  Give me a good reason to be gruntled!

How about this one: “Scientific evidence suggests that being happy may have major benefits for your health. For starters, being happy promotes a healthy lifestyle. It may also help combat stress, boost your immune system, protect your heart and reduce pain. What’s more, it may even increase your life expectancy.”

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Seems the Bible and science are together on this one. (Actually the Bible and science are together on most things, but that is a discussion for another day).

So, it’s good for us to be gruntled. But, how to we get there?

I think the Bible has some help for us on that one, too.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13).

By the way, he was in prison when he wrote those words.

Here’s the secret:  We will truly be gruntled when we choose to be gruntled.  That is, when we base our gruntled-ness on a state of being that is independent of our circumstances.  

To paraphrase Paul: “I can be gruntled in every circumstance because the reason for my gruntled-ness is the strength that God provides.”

“If you’re gruntled and you know it, then your life will surely show it. If you’re gruntled and you know it, clap your hands!”

Be amazing today, my friend.