Small Annoyances…

I’ve been dealing with a few small annoyances lately. You know, those things that creep into your life that are subtle; but, find their way into your daily thoughts and in some cases force you to change your routine.

The first of these annoyances has been my heel. I have a bone spur the size of Texas in my right heel and something I did a couple of months ago irritated it. I’ve had to make adjustments to my teaching schedule at the gym and have been working with a podiatrist. (By working, I mean receiving cortisone injections in my heel, ouch!) Oh and I have to make reasonable shoe choices. Y’all, I am sick of sneakers! I made the choice of walking in my boots this past weekend in a Boot Walk fundraiser in memory of a dear friend of mine. It was an easy walk, just over a mile. Turns out that was not the wisest of choices. My mom has lectured me twice, as well as said podiatrist. My heel is again agitated. Annoying.

Two of my closest friends have recently been diagnosed with life changing diseases. Both are amazing woman, strong and brave. But, they are facing new normals with their health, along with that comes fear, helplessness, change in habits and new routines. They are both present daily in my thoughts and prayers. But, I find their situations annoying. Especially for them.

It’s the time of year where the “to do” list grows longer, the days seem shorter and my time seems stretched, making most days feel like a marathon race from the minute my feet hit the ground. Again, if I am honest, I feel slightly annoyed with this too.

Yet, in the midst of these small annoyances, in the midst of life, God sends fresh reminders to look up, reach out and slow down. You see, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. (Priscilla Shirer, Gideon). Small annoyances are part of the human experience and many times God uses those annoyances to grow us to be stronger spiritually.

The pain in my heel has allowed God to connect me with some amazing women for a bit of an easier workout, walking and then talking over coffee. God has used my friends working through health issues to remind me to value my own health, as well as value each and every moment I have with them. My growing “to do” list comes from a happy, highly active and involved family, which I spent years hoping and praying for.

When faced with annoyances, we are faced with a choice too. We can choose to be annoyed or the opposite: pleased. Being pleased over annoyances comes from trusting that God is good and the absolute best teacher. Look up, reach out and slow down!

Thank you Jesus for life’s small annoyances. Help me change my focus from these annoyances back to you, allowing you to grow me stronger in my faith. Help me embrace annoyances during this human experience and to be pleased. For I am a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

Be joyful and less annoyed!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2‭-‬3 NIV