Keeping Cool

I know a lot of angry people.

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce Gods righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. - James 1:19-21

One could make the case that there are some really good reasons to be angry these days.

Just saying that can trigger a whole range of emotions, but sometimes there is little we can do to change the situation, and that can be frightening as well.

Yesterday, in the middle of a freak snow storm that wasn't supposed to amount to anything, people were stranded in their cars, unable to move for hours.

I am sure many were on their phones speaking with family members, trying to keep cool while worried they would not get home.

My wife was among them, and I felt totally helpless as I used an app to check traffic patterns and possible routes to get her home.

It is in times like these that we understand what James was talking about.  Anger does not produce God's righteousness.  In other words, we gain nothing through anger, and we can lose everything through the fear it brings.

It was our grandson who managed to get my wife home, calling her with a route less traveled, one she could make her way to and wind her way around the obstacles.

Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.

God sends us help in myriad ways.  It is up to us to be quiet and listen.

So, here is the big question.  Is it our fault if we fail to hear?

I don't know.  I would hate to make it sound like there is blame to be handed out to those who find themselves trapped and confused.  But it does pay to be still and know that God is there.

It might just save your life.

More to come...