Some things bother us more than others. Even outside of major life difficulties, many minor annoyances seem to get under our skin and irritate us. But these irritations also come with a clue into our story.
It’s often very frustrating when others don’t tackle life the way we do, ask the questions we ask, or care in the way we care.
From our perspective, it’s only natural to approach life and relationships in the way we do. And in our immature moments, we expect others to do the same.
However, while it’s important to honor the different perspectives, our irritations serve as clues into our own story.
There is a reason certain things bother us the way they do.
For example, if we have the gift of getting things done, it will irritate us when others appear to be just sitting around. Our irritation reveals what’s important to us – to make things happen.
When frustration builds because others don’t ask the deep questions of life, this may point to our gift of exploring life’s mysteries and figuring things out.
Likewise, if it bothers us when people seem indifferent to the suffering of others, this may reveal our calling to care deeply for others.
Occasionally our gifts are clear and evident. Many other times they are discovered.
What irritates us is a clue to the unique way God has crafted us.
As such, we move toward maturity and all that God has for us by staying alert to the nuisances of our life.
While unpleasant, irritations sharpen and refine us, allowing us to adjust our focus on those things that matter most to us.
Don’t merely dismiss irritations as meaningless frustrations. Take a clue from them and discover the best version of yourself.
Photo by Elijah O’Donnell on Unsplash
