I've been irritable for the last 24 hours, and I'm not really sure why. The weather was so warm and muggy that I really didn't enjoy my run yesterday. Students whose grades need a boost at the end of the semester refused to turn in an easy assignment. I wrote out a grocery list, and then left it in the car my son took when he went out with friends. When I finally did get to the grocery store, I had to take in a cart that someone else left in a parking place - again. A friend took a different position on a political issue that is important to me.

My stomach is irritable too. It probably didn't help that I ate a breaded veal cutlet with my son.

I know I've not had enough sleep. We were jolted awake at 1am Monday because our son was having car trouble. I didn't get home from school until 9 pm Tuesday night, and I must work that late again tonight. Last night I played a computer game to relax - bad decision. Computer games are like black holes in my clock. When I stopped playing it was late, and there were still chores to do.

So, now what do I do? First of all, just listing the insignificant things that I have let irritate me has made me laugh at myself. Second, I have juiced a ginger root, and I'm fairly certain ginger & water will settle my stomach. If I manage my time this morning, I can get to bed at a decent hour tonight.

There's a spiritual component to my irritability as well. I've been thinking about the verse "Do not be weary in well doing." I try to be polite to others. I try to eat right for myself and cook right for my family. I try to help my students and my community. Yesterday I felt like I was the only one trying, and I wanted to stop trying, too. Of course I am not the only one. But even if I was, I am not responsible for all the others. I am only responsible for living my life the way God has called me to live.