Just what you needed today: three steps for becoming a Crabby Lady. It doesn't take much effort, because crabbiness comes naturally or is easily mastered.
1. Have adult temper tantrums when things don't go your way.
2. Keep telling yourself that other people are really the source of all your problems.
3. Catalog your hurt feelings. Be sure to alphabetize them for easier access.
Crabbiness is such an easy habit to develop, but it's not a desirable way to live. Just like that crab on the sand, we could hurt someone with our snappiness. When we pinch people with words, they move away. Are we really intending to become repellant? Crabbing at people will achieve this goal, even if it's unintended.
It's not a problem when we have an occasional day that's just a bit "off character," but when it becomes our only mode of operating, it's time to evaluate what's truly bothering us.
Are you sniping because you hate your job?
Are you snapping because your calendar is overbooked?
Are you snarling because you don't feel well?
Are you being snarky because you're really upset about something else?
What's really bothering you? If it's changeable, are you working on it? If it's unchangeable, have you prayed for the grace to live within your situation?
Life is so much like roses: it comes with thorns. The Apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" that he didn't describe in detail, but he did mention that he prayed "thrice" (three times) that the thorn might "depart" from him.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:7--9 KJV)
Did you see God's response to Paul's request? God didn't rush in and provide instant thorn removal, but reminded Paul that he already had an unlimited supply of God's abundant and all-sufficient "grace." The Strong's Concordance describes this "grace" as follows: ...merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.
Whether you are in a changeable or unchangeable circumstance, handle matters wisely if you want things to turn out well. Dancing around the issue just keeps you from getting to the point. Hiding our feelings in a cloak of crabbiness is an unsuccessful tactic that usually ends in increased unresolved conflicts.
Don't pile on the crabbiness. Get to the source of what's wrong, and deal with it. Gently. Wisely. Prudently, with carefully chosen words. You don't want to become a permanent Crabby Lady. Graciousness is far more becoming.
Wise handling of matters leads to a good outcome.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (Proverbs 16:20)
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