When you travel, hassles happen.
When you don’t travel, hassles happen.
I was thinking the other day about some of the glitches that occurred on our vacations. Moments of frustrations. Change in plans. Disappointments. Then I remember snags, detours, and mishaps occurred on almost every trip – some I remember, but often most fade behind the good memories.
But hassles happen even when we don’t travel, right? Those everyday nuisances, interruptions, glitches. Internet that won’t work. Dead batteries. Missed appointments. Too many things to do. Dishes break. Forgotten birthdays. Misplaced items.
Hassles happen. Glitches are a part of life, home or while traveling.
Now I am not referring to major life events – a troubling diagnosis, a failing marriage, a job loss, or unexpected death or injury. But when I step back and look at life, it is the little annoyances that many times drain our spirits.
Ever notice how these tiny gremlins accumulate? That is when I lose my patience and perspective. I get so weary when they pile up in a huge heap of setbacks.
We hit these minor obstacles and fall into powerlessness instead of recognizing their limitations. I know at first, I think most frustrations are avoidable and unnecessary, but in reality they continue to happen. Hassles are inconveniences, not major life events.
I needed that reminder. Maybe you do too.
Researchers found that it wasn’t just the number of hassles that made the difference, but how the hassles were perceived. In general, interpreting problems as if they a global (always, everything), permanent, or personal leads to much more stress than the trio of specific, temporary, and situational.
Hassles happen no matter if we are at home or traveling. What can we control when we are suddenly in a situation that feel uncontrollable? Our attitude.
- We can pray. Being faithful even in tough times. God is with us even in the hassles.
- We can take slow deep breaths.
- We can notice and name our feelings.
- We can listen and learn.
- We can try to find joy or a life lesson in the snag – a message in the mess.
- We can step outside of the inconvenience and gain perspective. Will this really matter in 10 years? Even next week?
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10
I am thankful God is with me, strengthening me, even in those tiny tough times. Next time I stumble and get overwhelmed I hope to remember hassles happen, but God is in charge.
How do you handle hassles?
Hello! I am new to blogging and it is daring for me to even make a comment, but your Hassles article really hit home for me right now. The last few weeks have been nothing but problem after problem and I wake up wondering what will be the problem today? Stupid things like internet not working(!), a/c pipes getting clogged, packages getting lost, on and on. I get all bent out of shape, but everything works out in the end. I feel like God is trying to teach me to trust Him and not worry! I am just thankful all these are small things compared to what could happen, but it is draining! Most of these things aren’t going to matter in the end! I have to remind myself. Thank you for your words.
welcome to the blogging world. I have found blogging has helped me find my voice and express my deepest desires. Articulating, digging for the right word, feeds my spirit. God is so good! I am right with you about getting off track with hassles. One reason I wrote this post – it was to remind me too. Let’s just both keep writing and trusting!
“Will this really matter in 10 years–or even next week?” My mother taught me that coping skill when I was in high school and became upset over a math grade. (Math never was my friend!) Just that question alone can reset my perspective. And then, scripture teaches us much more about managing stress and disappointment, which you’ve highlighted well, Jean. If minor hassles steal my joy, I have only one person to blame!
Sounds like you had a wise mother. I knew I had to be reminded about what really matters when the little things upset me. Love your last sentence. very wise, indeed!
Hassles definitely happen. Sometimes my response depends on what else I’m trying to accomplish. If it’s an open day and I’m feeling flexible, I handle the hassles fine. But if I’m already too busy, I can get very annoyed. It says more about my overscheduling than the hassles themselves! ha.
Good point – Our tolerance for hassles does vary according to the day and my fatigue level too! Stress plays a key part too.
I don’t like hassles on any given day, Jean, but they are a necessary part of life. It really makes a difference in how we deal with hassles if we face them with a positive attitude.
Blessings!
Yes they ARE a part of life. I needed that reminder to put them in the right perspective. Have a super weekend, Martha!
thank you jean…at 78yrs, it seems that many everyday efforts are hassles..the more bodily diminishment ..the more hassles..and it does get a bit depressing maybe on some days..alot..but our Dear Lord is such a Sweetheart…He is right here..helping us to see..move and carries us when needed…
peace
Yes God is with us even with hassles. I know it was the everyday one that made me think about this post and gain a perspective on what really matters!