Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Prov. 12:16
Jesus, of all the prayer-worthy things I can think of, “annoyance” has never made it onto my supplication list, until now. Through the convicting work of your Spirit, I see and grieve that I’m way too easily annoyed. Free my foolish, fretful, fitful spirit. How can I possibly reveal the beauty of the gospel when I’m showcasing the ugly of my annoyance? Have mercy on me, Lord, and change my arrogant heart.
I’m annoyed by the guy who races me when two lanes are becoming one. I’m annoyed when the bar code reading machines in the self-checkout lanes can’t read my items. I’m annoyed when the gas pump trickles way too slowly. I’m annoyed by waiters who fish for a bigger tip. I’m annoyed by fish that won’t bite. I’m annoyed by humidity when I want to jog. I’m annoyed when I can’t get a wifi signal. I’m annoyed when I take my dogs for a walk and every three steps they stop and sniff.
I’m annoyed by low talkers and loud talkers. I’m annoyed at people easily annoyed. I’m annoyed when there’s not enough milk for a late-night bowl of cereal. I’m annoyed when I have to repeat myself. I’m annoyed at whiners, so much that I start whining. I’m annoyed at people preening in front of mirrors at the YMCA, as though I never peek. I’m annoyed when people use too many and too big of words to say something very simple, as though that’s not me.
I’m annoyed at ever having to wait in line for anything. I’m annoyed by people who turn up the three sub-woofers in their car so loud it vibrates my car at an intersection. I’m annoyed by anything breaking before it should. I’m annoyed at any box that has the words “requires some assembly” written on it. Oh, Jesus, if only those were the only things that annoyed me!
My prayer? Gentle my heart with your kindness and grace. Grant me much quicker repentances. Help me to slow . . . way . . . down. Help me to live in the moment and not simply live to get somewhere on time or get something done. Let me see people with your eyes and respond to them with your heart. There are no ordinary people around me. Everybody matters. Everybody has stories of heartache, foolishness, fear, and longing, just like me. Jesus, thank you that you died for all of my sins, including my “annoyability.” I love being loved by you. I have no greater hope than knowing one day I will love like you love. So very Amen, I pray in your gracious and patient name. Amen.
