Yesterday I wrote a post about something that really annoyed me - and annoys me (past and present) - and I got a text from my daughter that I was babbling and that I might want to delete it. Which I did. Why did I delete it? Because I was babbling. I was putting 'out there' my frustration with people who use and manipulate people. I felt better after I wrote it - and posted it - because it shows that I, too, am human and am not perfect by any means. I sometimes allow my emotions to get the best of me - whether it be anger, frustration, annoyance - or even indifference. Sometimes I let my emotions 'have their way with me' because it feels good - just like it sometimes feels good in a pity party. Ever have those? Unfortunately, I must confess that I do too, but when I recognize what I'm doing, I leave that party. Life is too short to be in a pity party all the time.
So today is another day and the sun is shining and the Lord is still on His Throne. Makes the day good. Tom and I spent time praying about this 'annoyance' last night before we went to bed, and again in our quiet time this morning. God has calmed my spirit down and I feel I need to confront this person for what they did - for it isn't the first time, and I'd like for it to be the last - but I need to continue to process what needs to be said. I do not want to 'attack' them, but to speak the words in love. Until I can do that, I need to remain silent.
Do you have people in your life that annoy you? They try to manipulate you and tell you one thing and it is going to be thus and so - and within 24 hours you find out they called other people to get their opinion then call you back and change everything. Do we do that? Do I do that? I pray not! If I need others' opinion, I need to contact them before making a decision and giving that decision - not after. I want my 'yes' to be 'yes' and my 'no' to be 'no'. I love how my dear friend and mentor, Pastor Steve Chiles, would deal with something like this. He wouldn't make a decision on the spot. He would say 'Let me get back with you on this'. That would allow time for him to process and to pray. Then he would get back with the person and say what needed to be said. That way no one is 'annoyed' or hurt or frustrated or angry. More people need to practice it.
As I prayed last night about this situation, I asked God to show Tom, as the spiritual leader in our home, what we should do. We have to be in agreement in these decisions. It isn't just my call. If it was left up to me, we would have already made a lot of changes. Tom keeps me in check. I don't always agree with him, but unless God shows me my decision is the correct one, I need to let Tom be the head of our home and make the decisions that need to be made. In the meantime, I continue to process and pray. And Tom and I continue to discuss as needed.
When someone gets to you, whether it be in annoyance, anger, frustration - however, sometimes it helps to write out what you feel (perhaps not where the world can read it though). Then tear it up or erase it and allow God to take care of the situation. Take your hands off and watch how God will turn the situation around. Perhaps still not how you were told in the beginning, but how He wants it to be. Our first step is to be willing to step back and listen for His response. And be silent.
Blessings!
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