Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

In one of my more introspective moods, I discovered something interesting about myself. It's the small problems of life, not the big ones, which really get to me. Apparently I'm not the alone. Years ago, Thomas Hall was convicted of manslaughter in Nashville, Tennessee. He had killed his brother, Howard. You might ask what could cause such anger that a man might kill his own brother? In this case, it was nothing earth shaking. It was something quite small, actually. Thomas had just finished mopping the kitchen floor when Howard came in, tracking mud with him from the outside. Thomas yelled, and both men ran for their guns.

I've shared that story with some of the members on my staff, and each of them has been able to understand. They can remember when they've popped a cork over something trivial. That's why I think we need to encourage each other to keep life's difficulties in perspective. I can't tell you not to let the little things bother. They will. Little things will seem big, and tempers will flare at the most unexpected moments. But, as Christians who have received forgiveness for big sins and small, when these mountain-sized molehills arise, let's take some time, step back, and then put these little difficulties where they belong: in the garbage!


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to control my temper, whether I'm dealing with mountains or molehills. I give thanks that with Your help, I can handle whatever I am facing. In Your Name, Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 1-3    1 Corinthians 16

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