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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: ANNOYED (04/05/18)
What’s it all about?



Its been an incredibly full week. Working a seven-day work week soaks up much valuable time, time needed for other duties. With sparse time left over for all the other things to do, I can feel my stress rise within me. As I look at my weekly calendar and the never ending daily honey-do list, I’m numb. Just numb with the do this, and the do that before me. Don’t get me wrong, everything on my list are good things that need to be done. It’s just the sheer weight, the volume, the time compression and of course everyone’s favorite … lack of sleep that takes its toll.



Enter annoy. I find myself getting annoyed over the slightest obstacles. Anything and everything that occupies wasted time in my day. Whether its another red light or the dog wanting to check the local fire hydrant just one more time … urgh! I don’t have time for this! Oh, for just one day to flow from start to finish without delay, interruptions, or detours. Work with me life, lets harmonize and dance the day away. Is one day of peace too much to ask?



But wait a minute. Life happens. Whether full or empty, rich or poor, busy or basking on the beach, life happens. It seems I can’t control life, but I can control my response to it. I can choose, I do have a choice. Annoyed or in soul peace, the choice really is mine. Do I allow the interruptions to push my stress level through the roof and blush with annoyance or maybe, just maybe view the detour as a challenge to be overcome?



It seems to me, when life doesn’t behave the way I want it to … I become annoyed. Somehow my expectations went unfulfilled. What is that trigger within me that goes off causing my annoyance? Could it be selfishness? A self-centered perspective on life? You mean the sun doesn’t revolve around me? Since when?



I think annoy or annoyance flows from our fallen human nature. We are doomed and bent on self-centeredness, this in direct contrast with Jesus who was, is and will be forevermore others centered. He showed us how to live life. How many delays, interruptions and detours did he cope with? All void of annoyance. He saw need and even though he was on his way to “Whoville” he stopped and met the need before him at the moment. Surely Love acts.



Perhaps I need to view my annoyance as an opportunity to crucify my flesh. To kill once and for all my selfishness, my demand that life must behave the way I want it to. Perhaps use the detour to show Grace to that person in need. Show love to that impetuous coworker or extend more time to those who live life in the slow lane. Whatever the occasion, surely, I can learn to die to self so others may live.



Isn’t that what life is all about? Serving others and not being annoyed by them? Isn’t that the way of the Master?
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This article has been read 420 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/13/18
I enjoyed this. I think you did a great job of writing on topic. I could emphasize with the MC right away.

I've just a few little things I noticed. In the first line it should be It's not its. I also noticed some of it could be tightened a bit. For example, I might edit it like this: Oh man, I'm exhausted. Working a seven-day week soaks up valuable time and energy, which I could use to accomplish other things. I can feel my stress build up inside me. As I look at my weekly calendar and the never-ending honey-do list, I’m numb. Everything on my list is essential, but man, I need a break! Closing my eyes, I yawn as I picture my bed. Ah, sleep. I yearn for it, but there just doesn't seem to be enough time to rest peacefully.

That's just a quick example to show you what I mean. In the next paragraph, I might leave out the first line. Instead by using descriptive verbs, body language and thoughts, you can show the reader that Annoy just entered, so you don't need to tell.

I think you did a nice job with the inner dialog. The message is great and one we really need to hear today. I enjoyed your ending. I think you summed it all up nicely. I truly enjoyed this read.
Christian Belyea
04/13/18
Your piece is very insightful and well-written. You seem to have gotten the gist of annoyance down to a science: being self-centered. Please keep at writing, for you definitely have something to contribute to others through your writing. If I were you, I would enter in the intermediate category the next time you enter the contest. You certainly don't come off as a beginner in that you write so well. One thing, though: pay attention to punctuation--which is the mark of an accomplished author. Keep up the good work, and remember: God is working through you.
Nancy Bucca
04/13/18
Very well written. You make a lot of good points about what causes annoyance and how to deal with it, and I like the way you summed it all up at the end.
Car Hickman
04/13/18
You covered the most common ways we get annoyed.
Just life alone brings its own set of 'things'.

Just wondering if you have ever thought about taking a "sabbath rest"? 1 day out of the week and one weekend every 7-8 weeks?

Scripture is full of people who just focus on work on things that bring them acclaim like Martha or the Pharisees.

Content was good and I enjoyed reading it too.



Larry Whittington
04/15/18
Yes, we all need these kinds of times and use them to grow during them.

Maybe the worst kind of annoyances are writer's block. Maybe it is God blocking our thoughts wanting us to take time out for him and thank him for all he has done for us and even will do for us even if we don't get a story finished.

Nice work. Keep it up.
Larry Whittington
04/15/18
Yes, we all need these kinds of times and use them to grow during them.

Maybe the worst kind of annoyances are writer's block. Maybe it is God blocking our thoughts wanting us to take time out for him and thank him for all he has done for us and even will do for us even if we don't get a story finished.

Nice work. Keep it up.
C D Swanson 
04/16/18
Well done. Nice job with the topic.

Blessings~
Dennis Gallemore
04/26/18
I certainly can identify with this.