Be Angry and Don’t Sin

It just isn’t as fun to undecorate Christmas as it was to decorate. We cut way back last year by eliminating the Christmas tree in favor of a wall garland where we put our most precious ornaments. But somehow the fewer bins filled up and in the attempt to stuff all the décor into them, I lost my cool. I told Steve I’d be back sometime and huffed out the door.

When I was a young mom, I grew angry easily and often. Struggling with it too long, I began meeting with Jeff, a biblical counselor.  With his and the Lord’s help, I overcame that sinful tendency. One key was realizing that I was angry with God. That wouldn’t do. My heavenly Father was precious to me. It was subtle but imprinted by giving in to anger whenever things went wrong. Thankfully, learning where my anger sprang from helped me to make a 180-degree change. God gave me victory with that important insight, and I don’t struggle as I used to.

Finally appeased after a drive for some iced decaf followed by a time of prayer at the park across the street, I arrived home repentant and apologetic. We tackled the undecorating in record time and relaxed for the evening.

The next day I read this quote in my daily planner: “I am convinced that there are times in everybody’s experience when there is so much to be done that the only way to do it is to sit down and do nothing.” —Fanny Fern. Yes ma’am!  Wish I had read that the day before. I’m still laughing, relieved to know the freedom of forgiveness.