Anger Management

Slow and incompetent drivers anger me. People who park their shopping carts in the middle of the aisle at the grocery store anger me. People who don't say "please" and "thank you" anger me. Clearly, I have a problem with anger. As I talk to more and more of my guy friends, I find that although they don't succumb to the same acute version of anger with which I am plagued, they do find themselves struggling with anger issues. Most of the time, I'm okay. But when I'm in the car of when I'm dealing with the general public or having an argument with my poor wife, I genuinely have to grapple with my anger problems. I think some of it stems from issues of control, having to deal with things I cannot control (like traffic and, uh, generally other people).

I don't want to pass this on to my kids, and I don't like what it does to me. It causes me to be preoccupied with minor things rather than focusing on caring for others, showing kindness and love at every opportunity and making the concept of grace a reality in my life. Geez, sometimes I relish my anger. What's that about? Perhaps it is a feeling of power and control, when really there is no power or control to be had. Granted, there are times to be angry. When there is injustice or the innocent are being harmed. There is righteous anger, but those times are rare and should be chosen carefully. Like Bruce Lee, learn to be calm 99% of the time. The other 1%, watch out.

Resolution #5: I will strive this year to process my anger issues in an educated fashion and strive daily to renew my perspective. I will show kindness and grace intentionally when and where I can.