MAX ON LIFE

36. I have a short temper and seem to get angry at the smallest things. I know this causes friction in my relationships, and that hurts. How do I get out of this rut?

I wonder what formed the Grand Canyon?

Maybe a few drips here and there. A leaky underground faucet or a gentle rain on a peaceful night. Slowly more and more water built up. Thunderstorms. Lightning. Angry expressions from the sky spilling out in the raging river called the Colorado.

Soon this river begins to tear through the earth, eating it away, eroding its past. Clawing and ripping. This once-innocent stream now full of power and purpose. As years go by, the crevasse is dug.

Our anger builds like the Colorado. Slowly, slowly small things drip, drip, drip down, annoying, irritating, finally enraging.

That was mine! Drip.

Get out of my way! Drip.

You do this all the time! Drip.

Why can't I get something for once! Drip.

Don't tell me what to do! Drip.

The pressure and the buildup explodes, unleashing a frenzy of anger, pouring out in our words, sweeping away our loved ones, our homes, and our peace.

Don't wait until you have a gushing fire hydrant. Go after the small drips. Address every little irritant with forgiveness and prayer. Slowly the pressure relaxes, and the gauge decreases from ten to four to three, then two and one.

Do it before your anger digs a canyon in you life.... with you on one side and everyone you know on the other.

By: Max Lucado