Not again! I was furious with my rambunctious three-year-old. He bounced a ball in the living room, and this time it hit my new lamp. I grabbed his arm and raised my voice in frustration and anger. He was terrified; I was mortified.
This was not how I’d envisioned myself as a mother. Short-fused, loud, angry. What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I control my anger? The still, small voice of God’s Spirit said, Tell him you’re sorry. Ask for his forgiveness. Tell him you love him. To a three-year-old? The Spirit nudged again. That day, I began confessing and seeking forgiveness from my children. A practice I’d not seen while growing up but something I felt was essential to my heavenly Father.
Soon after, my morning time with God focused on a Bible study about anger. Daily, I searched a concordance and copied verses that mentioned anger. The day I read James 1:19 slowed my reading. I was far removed from reacting as he instructs. Quick to listen? Slow to speak? Slow to get angry? Not this mommy.
Thus began a lifelong journey to listen first, speak later, and release anger. I copied James 1:19 onto a three-by-five card and posted it on my bathroom mirror. I tucked another card into my Bible. I memorized and prayed the verse often.
One day, I noticed it was my first thought when my temper flared. Now I had a choice: listen, speak, or get angry.
It has been decades since I humbled myself before a tender-hearted little boy and sought forgiveness for angry outbursts. But that practice, undergirded with James’ wisdom, has made all the difference as God faithfully transformed my mind and heart.
Think of something you can do to help remember God’s instructions or promises. Why not try a three-by-five card?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and jupilu.)
Roxy Wiley retired from teaching elementary school after twenty-five years and then served as the director of women’s ministry at her church. Throughout both careers, she designed and wrote many newsletters, handbooks, manuals, and articles. A proud and loving grandma of five grandchildren, she’s passionate about her family’s yearly Camp Grandma and coaching other grandparents to launch their own brand of family fun. Roxy and her husband live near Indianapolis, IN, and love to travel in their motor home.