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Fools show their annoyance at once. Prov. 12:16 (NIV)

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. Eccl. 7:9 (ESV)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23 (NLT)

Lord Jesus, as this Monday begins, I own the less than “peaceful-easy-feeling” roaming about my heart. In the last few days, it hasn’t taken much to “bug” me and put me in a snarky frame. Like someone taking two parking places for their car in the church parking lot; or the colorful spinning disk on my computer screen saying “I’m not ready to open your file just yet. Go brew yourself a pot of coffee.” Wait, there’s more…

Carpenter bees chewing my doorframes and road construction on my main route; an empty peanut butter jar in the pantry and loud talkers in a quiet restaurant; delayed flights and deflated bike tires; forgotten passwords and cynical newscasters; misplaced stuff and hidden charges. I even get annoyed at other people getting annoyed. Forgive me, Jesus. It’s not like any of these is a ship-sinking crisis.

I don’t want to be the fool who shows his annoyance at once, or the quick-spirited “inn-keeper” who makes his anger a welcomed guest. Settle me and center me, Lord, by the grace, truth, and power of the gospel. I won’t try to justify my snarly, edgy attitude.

Instead of indulging my self-centeredness, I surrender to the work of your Spirit. I repent of not repenting sooner, Jesus. Thank you for your patience, kindness and forgiveness. You are my righteousness, peace, and joy. Though I’m no longer condemned for my sins, I want to be convicted about them much sooner and deeper. Humble me, gentle me, and free me, Jesus. You are in control and you are always good. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.

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