Annoying People and the Holy Bathroom
Imagine having a practical, biblical, and even humorous approach to fall back on when people rub you the wrong way.
Let’s be honest. We all have days when someone around us seems annoying. Or maybe that doesn’t happen to you?
Let me tell you how it is.
I live with a lot of people. A couple of them are little. One of those makes it seem like I’ve been taking care of 80 kids by nightfall. So let me be truthful: I get annoyed with my kids. (Any other moms out there that can relate?)
Some days you wake up feeling great and it slowly creeps up on you. You’re holding your hot cup of tea in your hand, and feeling fine. You’ve spent time with Jesus; you’re prayed up, fired up, and looking up. Today is going to be unforgettable!
And then annoyances start poking holes in your It’s a Good Day balloon.
First annoyance:
It’s when you hear, “Moooommm, I just spilled my orange juice all over me and the floor! On purpose!”
Sighing, you clean it up, redress the kid and start the day again with the outlook that today is still going to be great!
Second annoyance:
Morning is in full-swing, and you’re singing along to your favorite tunes. You’re dancing around picking up stuff that’s out of place to put away. Feeling accomplished, your arms are full of said stuff when you trip over your husband’s shoes left in the walkway after the toddler decided to stop trying them on. More stuff is scattered on the floor and your ankle is throbbing.
A small growl escapes your lips, but you decide to shake it off. Today is still good. Nevertheless, your optimistic mindset is fading.
Third annoyance:
You’re on the phone for an important call and your family members are making too much noise. Being on the cordless allows you move to another room, but they follow you. Either the noisy people are oblivious or they are playing “follow the leader” and made you their leader.
“Can I call you back? Thanks!” Click!
The unforeseen irritations keep coming, and they better watch out because your shadow has changed into a grizzly bear!
Some days, oh, some days! You get to the end of the day and feel drained. Being physically tired at the end of the day is normal. I get that. But when you are emotionally drained as well—it’s time for a new tactic.
Go Into Hiding
We all have days when someone gets under our skin, rubs us the wrong way, and our Super Christian status disappears. This applies to us all whether you are a stay-at-home mom or not. I found this gem one day and it has been a great practical scripture:
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. Matthew 6:6a ESV
You can go behind closed doors to regain control of your emotions. Ahem…the bathroom is a great place to escape! Just lock the door, turn on the fan and it’s like a second throne room as you start praying. Ha!
So when family members (or coworkers, or customers, etc.) are annoying you, get thee to thy private room. Make sure it’s one with a mirror. Seeing your face while angry is entertaining and also quite telling.
In all seriousness, though, it’s better to flee behind that locked door and regain your composure rather than letting your heart stay in the wrong place.
3 Ways to Respond to Annoying People
After you’re in there, pray to God for help. I know, I know. You’ve been praying that God would help THEM because you’re about to strangle them. I’ve been there. But that’s not exactly the kind of help I mean. 😉
Ask God to help you respond in a different way—His.
God has given us biblical protocol in His Word. James 1:22 says to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” What does that mean exactly? It means we can make a plan by pulling verses and apply them to our situation. Specifically, ask that He would help you do the following:
- Love one another. “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” 1 John 3:23 ESV
- Honor. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV
- Be kind and forgive. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
If you go into the bathroom and pray these verses every time they’re needed, you will remember them. Eventually, when another annoyance comes, you will remember to respond with the wisdom they provide while in the moment. You won’t feel drained because these verses will help you recharge your outlook.
Responding this way will help relationship problems dissipate.
If you’re in a situation of being a caretaker or an ongoing burden-leaden circumstance, you may need to grab a different plan when you “find your escape.” If you feel tired, worried, stressed, or empty from serving those around you all day, look at my Take 5 Rejuvenation proactive strategy.
These strategies bring sweet relief to my days. I guarantee they will work for you, too.
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