Cooling it down? At Beech Springs, leaf pickup used to take days with multiple trips refueling a leaf vacuum. Last year, I ran out of fuel, got a bit frustrated about not getting enough, and figured I might just as well rake the leaves on an old tarp and pull them away with the tractor. A spur of the moment idea after a little thought and reflection, led to pretty cool plan. Funny how that works.
Think about it. Similarly, when momentary anger flashes into our lives there’s always the option to cool it down with a bit of thought and planning.
God’s Word tells us: “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows (Proverbs 20:25).”
Cool-headed decisions are better than hotheaded ones. Deliberation, even briefly, leads to better outcomes than acting on passion. Face your anger and admit it aloud, saying, “Boy, am I angry.” This simple step helps defuse anger. It's not a sin to be angry, but to act on it. Turning feelings into words can lead to a “cool” plan.
We pray. “Heavenly Father, help us make cool-headed decisions and deliberate before acting on passion. Teach us to face and admit our anger aloud, defusing it. Remind us that anger isn't a sin, but acting on it can be. Guide us to turn feelings into words for better outcomes. In Jesus Christ name. Amen.”
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34)
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