What’s yours?

For several decades of my own life that question would invariably be answered with requests for another glass of bitter, stout, lager or something stronger. Today, if anyone asks me that same question, my answer is likely to be a list of things that annoy me. Ask me about people dropping litter, or smoking outside shops and railway stations; we will have a lively and lengthy conversation.

As I write, many residents of Church Lawton are still furious with officials at Cheshire East Council for their poor notification of changes to the emptying of wheelie bins during the Christmas period. Some of us are still cross with ourselves for not noticing that certain days had been designated Bank Holidays!

Another source of irritation for me is when people come seeking advice. I always maintain that each person has to make their own decisions  - it is not for me to give direction. But after people have come to discuss their personal circumstances, it is annoying when their subsequent course of action indicates they took no notice of what was said.

My biggest frustrations have to be directed at myself. I have never been any good at D-I-Y. Whenever I take out the electric drill Anne rushes to the doctor to get some quick acting calm-her-down pills. As my hearing fades, (the early onset of middle age!), I become more and more irritated at being unable to hear things, and to do things I once took for granted. “Woe is me!” I groan inwardly, and occasionally, outwardly!

What’s yours? What are the things that get under your skin? Who do you blame when things go wrong? What is it about yourself that annoys you? Is there anything about you that annoys other people? What’s yours?

The God I believe in  -  the one who reveals his true nature to us as we read that Big Book  -  is one who cares passionately for each and every person he has made, whether they respond to his love and care, or whether they don’t. Time and again we find Bible heroes finding themselves knee deep or worse in situations that might make a bishop swear, or a sheep turn to violence! The writer of the Psalm is often found revelling at the bottom of his slimy pit. (Psalms 35, 40, 88). Elijah moaned to God that he was the only man remaining who served the Lord. Jeremiah was full of woe. Jonah never stopped complaining.

In spite of our frustrations, and in spite of our venting them, God goes on caring for us and caring about us. His care does not stop with platitude. He goes on loving us and providing for us. “ … God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

That Big Book contains many wonderful truths about an even bigger God. Just a single verse from a very short New Testament letter sums it up beautifully. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Try it out on your own biggest-of-all frustration. What’s yours?

Graham Joyce