I know a lot of ‘pet’ people, meaning those who like animals of all shapes and sizes, and would have one of each if they could afford to, however, I do not share this affinity, though our family has had their fair share over the years. Growing up, we had dogs, guinea pigs, birds, and fish, and they all fall under the all-encompassing word, pets. We did not have indoor pets, and I remember one puppy we bought, named Princess, that really wanted to go inside so badly, but my dad would sit on the front porch in his rocking chair reading, and as she approached the open front door, he would give her a stern “No, Princess”, and she would come to a screeching halt, and slide as if she had just made a home run in a baseball game. It was certainly cute to watch, however, they do grow up, and they do take work, finance, and upkeep. I know the ‘pet’ lovers are moaning and groaning at me already. It was not until I married a ‘pet lover’ that I experienced the real amount of work that goes into owning pets, because this began an entirely new stage of ‘indoor’ pets.
Over the past forty years with my wonderful husband, we have had a multiplicity of dogs, Petunia, the Cocker Spaniel, Florence the Bassett Hound, Lady the fuzzy mutt, Oscar the Rottweiler, a German Shepherd, and Bo the English Mastiff. We have also had fish, and a baseboard eating Parrot, Sunny, and his close cousin, Dodo, the Cockatoo. Then there was Magnum. I will spare you all the details of this ‘free,’ black cat that my beloved brought home, hidden in his zipped-up jacket. Let us just clarify that he was far from free. I have come to find out years later, that I was probably allergic to cats and didn’t realize it at the time, because I lived on Benadryl for many years, however, that is in the past. Thankfully, no more cats, and no more allergies. However, we now have Cali, another English Mastiff. Though this is a wonderful breed that I would highly recommend to those who are pet lovers, and she is highly intelligent and does watch over the house, I am still not a pet lover. One of the reasons, is because though my husband and I are considered ’empty nesters’ now, we definitely are not. When you have a pet, it is like having a child that never grows up. If you leave, you must make arrangements for their care, or take them along. They must be let out a thousand times a day and fed, given exercise and they want to be ‘petted’ constantly. I know this is a little hyperbolic, but it is just not my ‘cup of tea’, but that’s just me. My husband loves, did I say loves, that big ole gal and does not mind the inconveniences she poses at all! All of our daughters and grandchildren have been bitten by the ‘pet loving’ bug, so I am definitely outnumbered.
Let us look at the word ‘pet’ more closely. We have seen it in the traditional sense, now let us dig further. A person can also be considered a pet, such as the teacher’s pet. The dictionary gives two meanings in this sense of the word, ‘a pampered and usually spoiled child, or a person who is treated with unusual kindness or consideration’ aka the favorite. You can give someone a ‘pet’ name or have a ‘pet’ project that you’re working on. This is something that you treat as a pet, stroke on, doat on, or give great attention to and pamper. This brings us to our topic, ‘pet peeves’. This is an oxymoron. An oxymoron is, ‘a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness), something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements.’ Pet is, as we discussed, something warm and fuzzy, at least to the heartstrings, and something that is treated with exceptional care, whereas a ‘peeve’ is the total opposite. A Peeve is, ‘a feeling or mood of resentment, a particular grievance or source of aggravation.’ It comes from the word peevish or peevishness, which means to ‘sulk, feeling of anger or to take offense to’, which was often used regarding pets, therefore, the two unlikely words became connected as in, ‘pet peeve’. My question is why do we ‘pet’, pamper, stroke or doat on our ‘peeves’? Because a peeve is something that you dislike so much that it consumes much more attention than it really merits. Things that we consider pet peeves are not necessarily wrong or right, but just things that aggravate, annoy, or rub us the wrong way personally.
I will be the fall guy and be a little transparent here and give you a few of mine that I can think of right off the cuff. The first one is for all the girls out there. The scenario goes like this. You are in a hurry, out in public and having to use the restroom so badly that you run into the facility and quickly take a seat as to not have that dreaded accident, only to sit down on a wet toilet seat. That can just almost make me come unglued. The thoughts that run through your head are endless. Why in the world did the last person not just sit down? If they wanted to do the hover, why did they not clean up behind themselves? These questions can go on and on while you finish your business and then you must proceed to do all the cleaning that they did not do, in addition to cleaning yourself from head to toe. So, infuriating! But alas, not a crime, just inconsideration. Secondly, I hate to see store and brand labels that have been left on garbage cans or containers of any sort. Some of these items have been used for years and the label is already disgusting and filthy. When I see one, I literally want to peel it off, no matter where I am, whether it is in the doctor’s office, yes you heard right, all that wasted education, or in a gas station restroom. It just drives me crazy, however, it is not a crime, and obviously does not concern the owner of the container at all, just ignorance. Lastly, there is the little matter of artificial flower arrangements and bows. I have nothing against them, and over the years there have been great improvements in how they are manufactured and can almost appear real, and I also have some in various places in my own home. However, my pet peeve regarding these is that people take them right out of the box brand new or from storage and display them as is. By this I mean, they are meant to be arranged, fluffed, rearranged, spread out, or whatever word you use for this. Here again, when I see this in offices, bathrooms, other people’s homes, I just want to ‘fix’ them. Most times I must restrain myself, and slap my own hand metaphorically, because it is rude to be touching on someone else’s décor, but oh, how it bothers me so much. Let us consider once again though, it is not a crime, it is not right or wrong, it is just what grates against me personally. People using incorrect English is also something that really like ‘nails on a chalk board’, but we will leave well enough alone.
Pet peeves and things that irk us, could stem from our upbringing. How we were raised plays a huge part in what we like or dislike, based on what we are used to. The one with the labels still left on their containers, probably saw this in their homes, therefore, they did not know they should be removed, or it just did not bother them. Personality could also play a big part in what we find offensive. A laid back person is not really going to worry about the fake flower arrangement that is squashed or crooked. They will just take life in strides, and maybe not even notice it, and when they do, they will just shrug and go on. Life in general as it is happening around us, can play a part in what we do and how it is perceived by others. The person who leaves the toilet seat wet could be just self-absorbed and intentionally rude, or they might just be having an overwhelming day, or have two children in the stall with them that day, and they didn’t realize they were leaving a mess for the next poor sucker that comes along. Society and culture can also play a part in this conundrum of feelings and anxieties regarding little things that annoy us. After all, eating with your hands is second nature to people in some countries, however, it is considered not acceptable in others. The fact of the matter is that our pet peeves are just that, ours. Our personal opinions of how things should or should not be, and when things veer from that course, we become irritated, exasperated and our feathers get ruffled.
When we take account of our pet peeves, we must be sure to differentiate between what might be just irritating versus what may be a sin, taking it into an entirely different level of consequences. The scripture admonishes us in Ephesians 4:22-32, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” There is a fine line between the weights of this world and sin, and our reaction to things when we spot something that we feel is a pet peeve can very easily cross those lines.
Let us look into the life of Jesus, who is our prime example. Hebrews 4:15 states speaking of Jesus, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” However, I see in scripture, that he did have things that irritated, aggravated, and got under his skin. Things that were just offensive to him personally, because of who he was, how he was brought up, and the diversity of cultures he encountered during his earthly ministry. We have an example of Jesus showing a little irritation even toward his mother. Who among us can relate to that? He was a grown man and had moved out of the house and had his own place in Capernaum, though he was on the move most of the time, yet his mother was telling him what to do. Oh boy, you know that is a recipe for sparks to fly. John 2:1-5 gives the account, “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” He kind of told her to mind her own business, and she just ignored him, as mothers are so good at doing, and continued with the instructions to get the problem solved. He was a little annoyed by her pushy behavior, but this was by no means a crime or a sin on either side.
Matthew 12:46-50 we see another family incident take place, “While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” It was not that he did not love his mother, or brothers, after all, he made provision for the care of his mother while he hung on the cross, but he was so intent on his ministry regarding spiritual things, that they became a nuisance to him when they interrupted his ministry. Keep in mind, all the while he was doing his Father’s business, meaning God’s will, he was still having to navigate this earthly life at the same time. Is it easy? No. But did he do it without sin? Yes, he did. It is not the temptation that we face that is sin, but our response to it, can be. Hebrews 2:17-18 says, “Wherefore in all things it behooved him, Jesus, to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” He understands our frustrations, but they are not a justification to sin.
Jesus also became pretty upset with the creation, when it did not do that for which it was designed. The tree that was supposed to have fruit that didn’t, was a source of aggravation to him. Matthew 21:18-22 tells us, “Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, how soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Though Jesus turned this negative experience into a life lesson, as he was known to do, it sounds like he was just ‘hangry,’ as they say nowadays. He had pet peeves that rubbed him the wrong way, with questions that follow, just as we do. Such as, what is the point of having a fruit tree that does not bear fruit? Why is it full of green leaves, but there is no fruit on it? We can all relate; however, no crime or sin was committed here. What annoyed him, did not seem to bother his disciples.
When all is said and done, we must know how to differentiate between sin and personal preferences. There are sins and there are weights as we read in Hebrews 12, and most often, when it comes to dealing with other people, it is advantageous to set them all aside. We are being watched, there are witnesses, and there are those who could be the weaker brother without understanding. Jesus ultimately made the gesture of complete surrender in the garden of Gethsemane in his prayer that we see in Luke 22:41-42, “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” Within his flesh, he was not too fond of the idea of going to the cross, but he knew it had to be done. Sometimes we must wrestle within ourselves and with our emotions to conquer those feelings, of dislike, annoyance, and irritation, and do what is best for all involved and more importantly, what will please God.
Here is a verse to show you how closely weights and sins, likes and dislikes are related in God’s view. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaks lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” You can see in these seven things that he first states he hates at least six of them on a personal level, however, secondly, they are an abomination unto him, which has then crossed the line into sin. You can also see in these seven things, keeping in mind this is not a comprehensive study, that they are all things that are done against or will affect others. God always looks out for the underdog. The poor, the simple minded, the afraid, the sick, the widows, the orphans, and the wounded and faint of heart, just to name a few. Things that we might do or say that hurt others, and we sluff off as just an “oh well, they’ll get over it”, God takes very seriously.
Proverbs 11:20 says, “They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.” Next time something is getting ‘under your skin’, think before you react. Road rage can easily lead to sinful behavior and straightening that picture in someone’s home or correcting their sentences all the time, could easily lead to hurt feelings, anger that stems from embarrassment and a severed relationship. Paul found this thought worthy of repeating in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” Before you react to something that is ‘grating on your nerves,’ have a little conversation with yourself first. Yes, I could do or say that, but should I? What will the outcome or consequence of my actions or statements be? Will someone be hurt in the process? If the answer is yes to the last question, then know this, it will not be pleasing to God. Therefore, to you, it will be counted as sin. Harsh, but true. James 4:17 states, “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James had also stated earlier in his writings in James 1:15, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” We must often put our personal feelings aside, even though something is a ‘pet peeve’ of ours and it frosts, galls, chafes, or gripes us, because if not it could be sin. Stop ‘petting’ your ‘peeves’ by giving them more attention than they deserve. Don’t let your ‘pet peeves’ get the best of you and ultimately be the death of you!
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