dailydatewithgod

It can be hard to determine if we are struck by something simply because of the moment we are in or if it is something that always strikes us.  We can find ourselves vexed by similar situations but because the outside circumstances seem so different we do not make a connection.  Then there are those times when we feel vexed by everything.  I am easily drawn to over-analyze everything.  It is part of my hyper vigilant nature and I am not alone in this characteristic.  In an effort to not find myself vexing over getting vexed by things and people who do not sit well with me in the moment, I came up with a strategy.  I call it my three-time rule and I use it for many different elements in my life.  If something happens once or twice I let it slide but if I find something vexing in my experience three times or more I take a closer look.  I begin to ask questions, why am I vexed by this?  God, is there some kind of message wrapped up in this irritation?  Is it possible to see the vexing from a different angle?  Am I vexed when it occurs after another experience in particular or does it vex me no matter when it happens?  Sometimes I need to vent my anger on paper or write one of my f-you letters that I do not send to get out the feelings that are triggered by the vexing.  Then I can engage the investigation with a clear mind and an open heart.  I can turn to God and ask, what is there to love about this vexing?  Is it possible to bring love and tolerance to this vexing situation?  My peace of mind and openness of heart is ultimately up to me.  No amount of vexing experiences can determine who I show up as in my life.  We can all choose to define ourselves by the vexing or the delights.  I need God’s help in remembering that the vexes can be delights in disguise when I see them through the lens of my heart.