When you see another as a person you do not give offense and you are quick to forgive. People who are irritable are locked, loaded and ready to overreact.
There are two primary reasons people become irritable:
First is stress - it can weigh you down, drain your energy, weaken your health and invite you to be cranky. Sometimes there are relational issues that cause you to argue or lead you to bitterness. Sometimes stress is caused by overworking, overplaying and overspending. Sometimes we don't get enough rest, nutrition or exercise. All of this sets us up for irritability. The trick is to balance, prioritize and pace yourself.
The second primary cause is selfishness. As we see with some of our other challenges irritability can be a problem of the heart. Being easily angered is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present..
Today's Challenge: Choose today to start reacting to tough circumstances in your relationships with love instead of irritability. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Where have you overworked, overplayed or mis-prioritized? Then list any selfish motivations that you need to release from you life.
When you complete the challenge reflect on the following questions: 1. Where do you need to add margin in your life? 2. When have you recently overreacted? 3. What was your real motivation behind it? 4. Consider what "good things" you might say "no" to so that you can be free to prioritize the "best" things. 5. What decisions have you made today?
When you see another as a person you do not give offense and you are quick to forgive. People who are irritable are locked, loaded and ready to overreact.
There are two primary reasons people become irritable:
First is stress - it can weigh you down, drain your energy, weaken your health and invite you to be cranky. Sometimes there are relational issues that cause you to argue or lead you to bitterness. Sometimes stress is caused by overworking, overplaying and overspending. Sometimes we don't get enough rest, nutrition or exercise. All of this sets us up for irritability. The trick is to balance, prioritize and pace yourself.
The second primary cause is selfishness. As we see with some of our other challenges irritability can be a problem of the heart. Being easily angered is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present..
Today's Challenge:
Choose today to start reacting to tough circumstances in your relationships with love instead of irritability. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Where have you overworked, overplayed or mis-prioritized? Then list any selfish motivations that you need to release from you life.
When you complete the challenge reflect on the following questions:
1. Where do you need to add margin in your life?
2. When have you recently overreacted?
3. What was your real motivation behind it?
4. Consider what "good things" you might say "no" to so that you can be free to prioritize the "best" things.
5. What decisions have you made today?