This is the Stuff…

Greetings Dear Reader,

…that drives me crazy.

I could so easily list all the things over which I obsess.  I could also ponder the things that irritate me without cause.  There is no point in so doing as it is only going to cause me to obsess or be irritated.

There are, however, things that cause me to struggle against being irritated by or being irritating to others.  The problem is that this leads to it being difficult to be loving to others.  I have realized afresh that the little irritations can be fodder for becoming a better man.

I can turn chances for irritation into opportunities to love others.  I can use them to deal in grace and mercy.  I can avail myself of further grace to be understanding and kind.  It is in these moments I can make the choice to be a better version of myself.

All this stuff is geared to give us these opportunities.  The minor irritations in life are chances to hone our skills at love and kindness. They are meant to make us more gracious and understanding.  If I can master this in the small irritations I am better prepared for doing the same in the larger life challenges.

Practicing kindness and grace develops the spiritual muscle memory.  It needs to reflexive to be understanding and kind.  It must be habitual to promote patience over irritation.   The stuff that drives me crazy must drive me toward Christ.  It is what he uses.

This Is the Stuff – Francesca Battistelli

I lost my keys in the great unknown

And call me please 'cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

Might not be what I would choose

But this the stuff You use

45 in a 35 sirens and fines

While I'm running behind

Whoa ho ho

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess,

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

Might not be what I would choose

But this the stuff You use

So break me of impatience

Conquer my frustrations

I've got a new appreciation

It's not the end of the world

Whoa ho ho ho

Oooooh this is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff

Someone save me

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

Might not be what I would choose

But this the stuff You use

Whoa whoa ho ho

This is the stuff You use.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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