“PET-PEEVES”  Like it or not, we all have them, and they can be quite eye-opening. If we’re honest to the core, many of them have merit. But ask yourself, “Are the things we see in others, the very things we should examine about ourselves?” Are we truly women of our word?  Do we “Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.”? Matt. 7:12 Are we good stewards of God’s resources? As Christians, we are held to a higher standard… God’s standard! And, believe it or not, the world is watching us! So, here are some of the “pet-peeves” you wanted to “get off your chest”!

Amazingly… #1 pet peeve we heard: “people are not men or women of their word” WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY? People say they are going to do something and don’t follow through! WE MUST BE PEOPLE OF OUR WORD!!!

Ponder this: We should either commit to something 100% and see it through to completion, or don’t do it at all! (Of course, we all recognize there can be legitimate reasons or unforeseen emergencies down the road that can keep us from completing our commitment, but the aggravation comes when we pledge to do something and then don’t carry through on our word (our promise). Let’s ALL be women of our word!

#2 pet peeve: Sharing colds and flu! STAY HOME!!! One reader writes: we’re heading into cold & flu season and people REALLY need to stay home to get well and take every precaution to not give it to others!

Ponder this: Think about it… if we realize how awful we feel, why would we ever want to make another person (especially a child) to feel the same way??? Remind yourself to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands FREQUENTLY (especially after you’ve blown your nose, coughed or sneezed), avoid face-to-face contact during the contagious days, and sanitize surfaces whenever possible, avoiding the vapors from aerosols.

#3 pet-peeves in the neighborhood:
Inconsiderate neighbors
Music too loud
Dogs continually barking
Unsightly yards
Loud cars or motorcycles

Ponder this: As Christians, we are to be the light and love of Jesus to a lost world. Let’s be sure we’re not guilty of the very same thing we’re criticizing others for. Be a model of true Christianity!

#4 Litterbugs!
PURPOSELY OR MINDLESSLY - Everything from gum that other people will step on, to a gum wrapper that blew out of the car. Emptying ash trays at the side of the road. Dropping anything and not even attempting to retrieve it, including when the wind catches it. Even leaving trash at a campsite.

Ponder this: It’s God’s creation! We should all be good stewards and take care of it!!!

Then, there’s #5 pet-peeves - Communication:
telemarketers / endless requests for donations
lengthy emails / endless forwarded email messages
junk mail (snail mail)
lack of manners
we’ve lost the art of writing (thank yous, notes of encouragement, etc.) 

Ponder this: Look around, many have lost touch with manners and social etiquette, especially amongst our youth and young adults. This is more of a sadness than a “pet-peeve”, writes one reader, but my heart breaks at how we’ve forgotten to say “please” and “thank you” and show simple courtesies… putting others first before ourselves. Also, it’s always been a kind and thoughtful thing to write “Thank You” notes when you receive a gift. When you receive the gift in person, a simple verbal thank you (or a follow-up phone call) is all that is needed (unless the gift has a high monetary value, then a written note is preferred), but if you receive a gift and the giver is not present, it is so important to write a thank you. It’s the least we can do after someone has taken the time and effort to shop for the gift and find “just the right card” to go with it. Emails just don’t cut it! We should always show our appreciate for the kindnesses of others.  By doing this, we are modeling to our children and teaching them the importance of simple courtesies that will last a lifetime.

#6 traffic pet-peeves:
You’ve just set your cruise control. The highway stretches out before you. And then, you get behind a turtle in the far left lane. It’s illegal to pass on the right and it’s dangerous (almost anymore) to honk your horn. Then, let’s talk about in-town traffic. You’re doing well to hit all the traffic lights because you are going the speed limit. Inevitably, there will ALWAYS be the slow-pokes that aren’t paying attention and go 5 – 10 mph below the speed limit. This reader asks: if you don’t go the speed limit, PLEASE get over to the far right lane!

Other pet-peeves while driving? She adds:
• People on their cell phones or text messaging
• People eating food in the car and
• People reading papers or checking maps

Ponder this: Again, we’re setting the example for our children and others. We need to be certain that our actions model what we want our children to learn. We need to always be mindful how we’re modeling Christ to others, too.  The Bible says we are to obey the authority of the land and if we proclaim ourselves to be Christian with our fish emblems and bumper stickers, then we need to be especially careful not to give even one more opportunity for others to criticize “those Christians”.

“Wrap it all up”: Our purpose for this feature is not to point fingers, but to remind all of us to be more thoughtful, loving, and kind; to get out of ourselves and be aware of how our actions are affecting others. God wants us to be good stewards. He wants us to reflect His lovingkindness in all ways and at all times.