There is a way the world runs. And when others behave in ways we don’t like, we call that a “pet peeve”. Not a colossal divide or a legal violation…just a pet peeve.  

The phrases we use regarding our pet peeves reveal the person who actually suffers.  He “gets under my skin” or “gets on my nerves,” or she is such a “pain in my neck.”  

Whose skin, nerves, and neck?  

Ours!  

Who suffers?  

We do!  

Every pet peeve writes a check on our “joy account”.

Joy is different then happiness. Happiness is surface – it comes and goes, dependent on many factors – chief among them: our feelings! They are up and down with every small stimulus. But joy is a deep-rooted satisfaction based on who know you are, Whose you know you are, how firm your foundation is, and how secure your future destiny is! If you are a Christian, isn’t it great to know we don’t have to depend on ourselves for this? It is freely given by the Great Joy-Giver!

The apostle Paul said, “Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).  The patient person sees all the peculiarities of the world.  But rather than react, he bears with them.  It’s based on that deep-rooted joy!

On some days, when life is chaotic and frustrating, we just need to simply remind ourselves what gives us joy, and how we can access that at any given moment.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬

~ with an assist from Max Lucado