Now that I am a born-again Christian, nothing should truly irk me.
But the reality is—there are still those little things that keep poking at my peace!

I try so hard to fight the urge and the rush to get upset. Yet I realize—this must be one of the devil’s oldest tricks: to stir irritation where love should reign.

My Irks

Let me explain what these “irks” are all about.

My beautiful wife, whom I love dearly, sometimes seems to do the very opposite of what I ask—especially when it’s something simple. I don’t understand why. As her husband, when I ask for small favors, I don’t expect opposition. These are the everyday things that help build trust and strengthen the bond between us.

But when small requests turn into moments of tension, I can feel the heart getting attacked—not just emotionally, but spiritually.

Wouldn’t it be far better if we were always agreeable with one another?
She often says, “Happy wife, happy life.” But I wonder—if this life is happy, then why does it not feel that way sometimes?

Maybe it should also be said, “Unhappy wife, irked husband.”

Why can’t we just be kind and agreeable to each other? Why must it feel like I’m always the one doing something wrong?

The Simple Things That Test Us

Take today, for example.
I simply asked my dear wife to come over so I could remove a little white speck I saw in her hair. Instead, she said she had to wash her hands first. But she had already been standing there talking with me for several minutes!

Why did it suddenly become so urgent to wash her hands at that exact moment? Why not just come when I called?

It’s small, but it stings. And maybe that’s why it irks me so much—it’s not about the act itself, but about feeling unheard or dismissed.

And yet, maybe I’m guilty of the same thing.
Maybe I’ve done this to her without realizing it. Maybe this is God’s way of showing me how it feels, so that I can change.

Reflection and Prayer

So today, I’m making a note—to track these moments honestly, not to judge her, but to see where I can improve. Perhaps the problem isn’t her but me.
After all, I can’t change anyone but myself. Only God can touch a person’s heart.

So I pray:

Lord, hear my prayer.
Block the devil from trampling me with irritation.
Let Your Holy Spirit guard me from temptation—before me, behind me, on my left and right, north and south.
Let not this irritation take root in my heart.
Teach me to respond with patience, gentleness, and grace.

I know the devil works hard to stir division in what God has joined together. But in Jesus’ name, I command that spirit of annoyance to flee!

Because love—true love—endures all things, believes all things, and hopes all things.
And through Christ, even the “little irks” can become opportunities for growth in love and faith.

Amen.