Often it’s not the big issues of life that trip me up: it’s the little everyday irritations. Anger and frustration can go from 0 to 60 in seconds over some dumb little problem.
Recently I was working on a blog post when my mouse started sticking. Either it wouldn’t move on the screen, or it wouldn’t highlight what I needed. I tried to highlight a phrase, and the mouse jumped to another part other than what I was trying to work on.
I checked my battery: it was fine. I checked that the USB sensor was within range and moved it closer anyway. Nothing helped.
I’m sorry to say I was so frustrated that I banged the mouse on the desk several times and shouted at it.
I know that doesn’t help. But it felt good. For a few moments.
Then, of course, I was ashamed of myself. I thought, “I’m glad no one was around to see that.”
But someone was.
Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” That’s a comfort, that He sees all that goes on, knows what is happening to us, will meet our needs, and provide grace for whatever He allows.
But it’s also a reminder that we don’t “get away with” anything.
I was reminded, too, of Ephesians 3:10: “Through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” It’s odd to think of angels and creatures from Ezekiel looking down at God’s people on earth and learning about His wisdom. I have to wonder what they learned by seeing the temper tantrum of one of God’s children over such a minor issue.
I’m thankful that “with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared” (Psalm 130:4), that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), that “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).
I’m rebuked by the fact that since I don’t act like that when other people are around, it shows I do have some measure of self-control even though it didn’t feel like it in the moment.
And I’m convicted by remembering that giving way to temper and frustration in a little thing makes it that much easier to give way in other situations.
I reasoned that if the testing of our faith by trials is supposed to produce steadfastness, as James says, and we’re to “let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3-4), that’s true of small trials as well as large ones.
I thought of verses about anger, like Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” I thought how God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8; 145:8; 86:15). I remembered once again that as we “behold His glory,” we’re “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). I need to behold Him more in His Word.
Practically, I was motivated to remember to tell my husband the problem with my mouse. If I had done that one of the last several times I had problems, it would’ve prevented my little blow-up.
As I thought through all these things, I considered writing a blog post. Then I thought, “Nah, lesson learned, pick up and go on.” But the next day or so, the Daily Light on the Daily Path reading for the day was filled with verses linked to and including the Proverb mentioned above about God seeing us. That seemed a confirming nudge to go ahead with this blog post.
How about you? Do you ever lose it over little things? What have you found to help? Do any of these thoughts resonate with you?
(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)
Stray Thoughts 
Sure glad to know I’m not alone Ms. Barbara. Most days, I try my best to “go along and get along”, but there are times when the most insignificant thing will send me into a frenzied tirade. Years ago, I read an unconventional book on personality types. I can’t remember its title, but remember vividly the description that best fit me. It was called a “Grenade Personality.” That’s what I still find myself to be. I can let a lot of things pass that will get others visibly upset. I want to pretend that they don’t bother me, but in reality, I’m just storing up their energy. It may appear that I’ve mastered “self-control”, but the truth is, I’ve learned to imitate it pretty well. Until, it happens. That proverbial straw , you know, the one that breaks the camel’s back, is placed onto the load I’m carrying as some imaginary triggering device is set into motion. My “grenade personality” explodes, creating a killing radius that is indiscriminate in who or what it impacts. Like you, that includes impacting me, because I feel terrible about it afterwards, realizing that whatever small irritant it was became blown way out of proportion with my response. Those moments of realization are when I’m most grateful for God’s grace and mercy. Again, sure glad to know I’m not the only one.
I am glad to know I am not alone, too. Part of me wondered if I really wanted to admit this to the whole wide world. But we show God’s grace in His mercy when we fail as much as when we experience victory.
Perhaps those are the times when God is calling us to take our heads and hearts out of whatever mundane task we are involved in (though we think it is important) and notice the beauty of the world around us and His presence in it.
I like to think of myself as a “roll with it” personality, and while that might be what it looks like to an outsider, I must admit that I overreact to little frustrations and that is sometimes where I let my irritation boil over. But as you reminded us, God sees. I am in need of pruning in order to keep developing the spiritual fruit of self-control!
I’ve been known to lose my temper over inanimate objects. And you’re right, it doesn’t help.
I think inanimate objects are depraved. Especially coat hangers. 🙂 I don’t know how many times I’ve reached for one only to have it tangled with others or knock others off.
Oh my, I have to laugh imagining your “little blowup” with the mouse. And I agree that a non-responsive mouse is a big annoyance!! As to the question at hand — I’m a calm person overall and I rarely if ever “lose it” in a way that can be seen. Inwardly is another story … as with other things though, I’m always a work in progress. Enjoyable post!
I also tend to seethe inwardly rather than blowing up in a big way. That’s not healthy either, physically, spiritually, or mentally. I like that thought of being works in progress. I am thankful for God’s grace as He helps us grow.
Sometimes we just need to vent. When those times arise, I’m thankful God forgives me for any hurtful outbursts. I’m thankful we can go to Him when times are good and when times are bad. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I love that thought that we can come to Him when times are good or bad. His mercies are new every morning.
How about those who have been hurt by the venting?
Oh my friend! Yes, they resonate with me. I have some days when whatever I pick up, I end up dropping or it just slips out of my hands because I don’t have much grip that particular day. I can remember a time when I would get so upset over it and my mind would immediately go to thoughts like, “SO…THIS IS THE KIND OF DAY IT’S GOING TO BE!” But as the Lord began working on me about my attitude, I began saying to myself instead, “When I am weak, He is strong” and it really has helped me. However, having said that, it doesn’t mean that my temper doesn’t get the better of me at times. Thanks so much for sharing this with us today.
My husband and I have talked about developing “fumble fingers” as we’ve gotten older. I had to smile at your thoughts about what kind of day it was going to be—I’ve thought something similar when I drop the soap in the shower. 🙂 Thanks for reminding me about looking to His strength in my weakness.
Oh! “Someone was!”
“May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord”
Such a convicting post!
What a wonderful post, Barbara! I could just imagine the blowup because I could relate so well. I really appreciated this reminder: “And I’m convicted by remembering that giving way to temper and frustration in a little thing makes it that much easier to give way in other situations.”
I’m thankful that you did write this. I literally prayed about this very thing moments before I read your article. God Bless.
Barbara, I’d like to think I’m a pretty patient person. But now you have me thinking about how I sometimes react to automated prompts in a voicemail system when all I want is to talk to a real person. Nobody sees or hears my aggravation, except Someone does. Convicting post, for sure!
That’s a frustrating situation. Recently, even though I said “speak to a person” on every prompt on the phone, it still took me through a series of other questions before it would send me to a person. I wanted to bypass all that, but they won’t let you these days.
Convicting post as I think we all may have moments where an outburst occurs, or we seethe inside. I’m so grateful for God’s grace to show us where we yet need to grow as He reminds us that nothing goes unseen, or unheard, by Him.
Barbara. It’s funny how sin can get the best of us sometimes. Thankfully, God knows who we are and showers us with His grace while we grow as Christians. He loves us so and I’m grateful for His patience with me.
Barbara. Sometimes sin gets the best of us sometimes. Thankfully, God knows who we are and showers us with His grace. I’m thankful for His patience with me!
arbara. Sometimes sin gets the best of us sometimes. Thankfully, God knows who we are and showers us with His grace. I’m thankful for His patience with me!
Hi Barbara, I had a non-responsive mouse, just before I clicked on your post. I had to replace the battery and then thought, it will be all good, but alas, it did not work, so I had to unplug the USB sensor and move it from the back of the console to the front and then all worked (anyway for now).
I have had so many issues with a non-responsive mouse, that I have on a previous occasion wanted to through it in the trash can.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 296. See you again next week!
I’ve wanted to toss mine a time or two, myself. 🙂
Oh my gosh Barbara, I had to chuckle. That’s me too! I call those moments my “big girl fit” Lol. Like you it’s after the fact that I’m like oh dear, and thinking it’s a good thing no one was watching. Then it’s like God you saw my big girl fit and ask for forgiveness and guidance to seek him first to stop and think.
visiting today from Joanne’s
Yes, Barbara I am right there with you. The small things tend to send me over at times and you are so right God is watching.
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Grace & Truth community! I chose your blog post to proudly highlight on my Pinterest board for Grace & Truth Featured Posts. You can see your article here—
https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/.
Thanks so much, Maree!
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Thanks so very much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend.