So what annoys you? This husband project has helped with the ways Brad annoys me -

As I was reading through Proverbs 12 today, I was impressed again by another powerful verse.
“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16
Think about that for a minute.
Picture yourself late for work, driving behind someone going 10 miles under the speed limit.
Picture yourself at the grocery store in line with someone who has forgotten their checkbook and didn’t notice until their entire order was run through. Add to that you are trying to contain 3 unruly, tired and very antsy children.
Picture yourself waiting an hour for your husband to come home and he hasn’t called yet.
Picture yourself in the nursery at church, watching 10 other children and the teacher still hasn’t shown up and church started 10 minutes ago.
The “picture yourself” scenerios could go on and on… what annoys you?
Pause here. Go over the last few days. What REALLY annoys you?
Ok. Now, go back and read that verse over again. Have you been prudent or have you been a fool?

• prudent – wise or judicious in practical affairs

I read this verse about a year ago and it has changed how I drive, how I parent, how I wait, how I think, and how I interpret situations. I don’t get annoyed as quickly as I used to.
I don’t get so frustrated when someone puts a dent in my schedule or interrupts the flow of my day.
Why?
Because wisdom says to overlook their mistakes, overlook their lack of consideration, overlook their annoying habit.
Proverbs 29:11 says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
I certainly haven’t mastered the art of “overlooking”. But, I can say that I am more aware of my thoughts, my attitude, my actions and my words.
Sometimes a smile is what that offending person needs… I’m sure they need that more than they need a show of annoyance.
What can you overlook today and in doing so, keep yourself under control?