Frustrated?

As of this writing, Carol and I are in Charleston, S.C., where we are serving as Chaplain for the USS Yorktown, CV-5, Survivor's Reunion. The major portions of the reunion are being held on an aircraft carrier: the USS Yorktown CV-10.

The USS Yorktown CV-5 was put into service in 1938, and was sunk on June 7, 1942, in the Battle of Midway; but the aircraft carrier that was built to replace it, the USS Yorktown CV-10, survived the war and was retired in 1970. It is now a floating museum in the harbor in Charleston.

On the way to Charleston we were traveling south toward Atlanta, Ga., on I-75. It was 9:35 a.m. and we were in Kennesaw, just north of Atlanta. Traffic had slowed to a crawl; then we found ourselves on a 5-lane parking lot. Eventually, we began a series of starts and stops: we would start, drive for two or three car-lengths, and stop. We had given ourselves plenty of time so we weren't being negatively affected; but we did watch other drivers. Some of them got excited.

Some drivers craned their necks as they stuck their heads out the window to try and see what the hold-up was. Hands pounded steering wheels. Faces changed contour into unfriendly features. Mouths were opening and most likely saying things that I wouldn't say. Some drivers got onto the shoulder to try to bypass the traffic jam, but they found themselves caught when other drivers wouldn't let them back in. That increased their frustration. I stayed in my lane and relaxed as I continued starting and stopping.

After about 40 minutes, we finally arrived at the source of the traffic jam: an 18-wheeler was stalled in the center of the five lanes. The look on THAT driver's face was pained frustration! There was not a thing he could do about it, and the traffic tie-up was impeding the arrival of his hoped-for help.

Frustration could be defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed because of the inability to change or achieve something. That accurately explains the feelings of the driver of the 18-wheeler in the center lane. Vocabulary.com says: "Frustration is a feeling of annoyance that occurs when something doesn't go as you expect. There are few things more likely to cause frustration for an impatient driver than rush hour traffic."

What frustrates you? Traffic situations? Booming speakers in the car next to you? Someone who doesn't listen to you? Someone else getting credit for what you accomplished?

I view frustration (or frustrations) as little spiders suspended on their webs hanging from the ceiling -- just waiting for some hapless victim to pass by. Then: WHAP! GOTCHA! The person instantly flails around, trying to get the sticky mess and the arachnid out of his/her face. Although there is something to be concerned about, the spider and web can be handled quickly: wipe away the web, brush away the critter (kill it if you wish), and be careful where you walk. Situation solved!

Now, while your frustrations might not be that easy to resolve, the steps are the same: Identify the source of irritation. Remove it if possible. Physically or emotionally walk away from it. Don't allow it to negatively affect you.

St. Francis of Assisi gave us a model prayer that helps. A simplified version is: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Amen."

As we acknowledge Almighty God and put our faith in Him, He will give us wisdom to handle difficulties and frustrations in life. But we must cooperate with God; and that entails purposely honoring God in attitude as well as action, refusing to become angry and belligerent, and remaining calm. As we do that, Godly wisdom will guide us as to what we should do.

Anger and frustration are generated because we have been offended or violated. This involves pride, and pride will cause us grief every time. Pride negates trusting in God because pride focuses on ourselves.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."

Don't allow pride and frustration to control you. Instead, focus on the Lord and trust in Him.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. He is president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.