For the most part, I have become a pretty patient person. Most days I am not crabby, but today I reached my limit, and I definitely was not pleasant to be around. My day had actually gone well, and for once I was able to come home and take a short nap. It was then that things went downhill.

Since I planned an easy dinner, I decided to clean the cat boxes since one had decided to go outside of the box. I guess this was their way of telling me it was time! Two litter boxes later and a good washing of the hands, and I started to put together a salad. While I was doing that, one of my cats decided to rummage through the cabinet. This has been such a problem that I keep a baby lock on the door, but of course the moment the lock is removed and my back is turned, she heads right in. In the process of chasing her out, I knocked the bag of salad to the floor, which of course spilled everywhere. Irritated, I crabbed at my daughter for not setting the table as I had asked, while I picked up pieces of lettuce and carrots from the floor.

Finally, we sat down at the table after I had tripped over at least three cats, who always seemed to be underfoot. My daughter preceded to pick every carrot out of her salad and took every topping off her pizza. Yes, not a big deal, but when you are building up to crabbiness, irritation at her pickiness with food increases. Dinner concluded with cats chasing each other through the house and a confusing conversation about peanut butter pie.

Tripping over cats at least three more times, I got to listen to constant singing and chatter when all I wanted at this point was a few minutes of quiet. Just before starting dishes, I passed by that completely clean litterbox to find a cat had gone again right outside of the box! Yes, I had definitely reached my limit.

Conviction came as I began to wash the dishes. I could offer excuses, but in all honesty, there is no excuse for any of those irritations to lead me to crabbiness. Nothing that happened was that big of a deal. Cats, well, they are just cats. I cannot expect them to pay attention to where they are walking or to care if they make a mess. My unkindness to those around me, though, is a big deal. I am responsible for my reactions to others. My irritations increased because I was not patient, was being selfish, and was looking out for the needs of myself rather than others. I did not choose to “put on” the qualities I should have when the irritations came.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Have you ever experienced a time like mine? You may be irritated because someone performs a task differently than you might like. A conversation may bring about thoughts different from your own, and you struggle to express your thoughts well. You may actually be hurt through another’s thoughtless words or actions. Even tapping on the counter over and over to the beat of their own drum could drive you up the wall!

What does Paul remind us to do when irritations start to rise? Put on the qualities of Christ. Respond in a manner that reflects Christ’s holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Yes, be patient with those around us. When family or friends do things that happen to stir up some irritation, have grace and, if necessary, a heart of forgiveness. When we offer patience, compassion, and kindness, we are offering God’s love. When we forgive a fault, we are forgiving as God taught us to forgive.

As I stood at the sink cleaning dirty dishes, the Lord gave my heart cleansing as I asked His forgiveness for my responses to the silly things that brought on my impatient, selfish behavior. Also, seeking forgiveness from each of my family that bore the unpleasantness of my behavior, my heart was lightened as I again chose to put on qualities like Christ.

As I am sure at some point I will have time like this again, you will as well. Remember when those irritations start to pile on, choose to put on those qualities that reflect Christ. God’s love you show will keep you and others in an atmosphere of perfect harmony.