Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Irritated (11/08/12)
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TITLE: Those Pesky Buttons | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leola Ogle
11/14/12 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I used to think I was unique, but I’ve come to realize most, if not everyone, has this as part of their anatomy. Ask me who first pointed it out to me and I’ll shrug and give you that vacant look that the elderly get.
Ah, but I remember it well when someone asked, “Who pushed your button?” Button? I was irritated -- you could even say I was mad. It had nothing to do with a button. Or did it?
I’m not sure where this button is located, but trust me, it’s there. When I was younger I had less self-control, and lacked wisdom about so many things, so this button got pushed frequently. Too frequently!
Sometimes having my button pushed got me into trouble. Words, once spoken, are out there, like a contagious virus. You can apologize, but the exposed will suffer. I came to regret many things, all because I allowed my button to get pushed. I really don’t like who I become during times like that. Some people even have buttons, as in plural, more than one button. I must confess that I have two. One is irritation and the other is anger.
There were times my buttons got pushed easier than other times, and my irritation or anger would flare. A lot of factors made it easier for that to happen – lack of sleep, not feeling well, or too much stress going on.
There is no miracle cure for my button and it cannot be surgically removed. The real key to keeping it under control is spending time in prayer and God’s Word.
When I’m in a bad mood, and I know I am in a bad mood, I’ve been known to warn people, especially family members, “Oh, you don’t want to push my button right now. You won’t like it if you do.” This can be emphasized with a hands on the hips, and that stare that says, “Don’t mess with me right now.” Some call it the skunk eye or evil eye.
Sometimes a bad mood can be sneaking around inside me and I’m clueless. I think I’ve got it all together, going about my merry way, singing, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah-Zip-A-Dee-A, My oh my, what a wonderful day,” when seemingly out of nowhere, my button gets pushed. My parade gets rained on, as well as everyone attending my parade.
I’ve learned not get too smug, and think I’ve finally got my act together because this flesh of mine will rewrite the whole play, and throw scenes and acts in there that I don’t want.
My sweet husband has learned to back off when he asks, “What’s wrong, honey?” and I reply, “Nothing,” or, “You don’t want to know.” He knows I need time to process what I’m feeling or thinking, and it’s in everyone’s interest to back off and leave me alone for awhile. I’m a much sweeter person when I have time to take it to Jesus.
I’m so glad Jesus looks beyond my faults and failures, and see a heart that truly loves Him and wants to please Him. I know these pesky buttons of mine are not from Him, but He helps me control it when I yield everything to Him.
Now that I’m in the autumn of my life, I’m happy to report that I control my buttons and they don’t control me….most of the time.
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