For some who have formed a habit of being angry, anger is
like a traffic circle with no visible exits.
We all remember the scene in
National Lampoon’s European Vacation when the family drives into a
roundabout in Paris and spends the day there.
Though this may be an amusing vision in a film we are also aware of the
frustration and helplessness this impasse engenders. In the face of the emotion of anger people
who suffer in this pattern are not amused .
If you live with someone like this he or she need your compassion and patience.
Once these people get angry they simply do not know the way
out. They can’t forgive, can’t find
peace, and can’t get satisfaction from the presumed source of the anger. They honestly feel that the event must
somehow be un-done. They will embark on
a course of constantly explaining their circumstance, justifying their position
to anyone who will listen or repeatedly pressing the person who has provoked
them to take some action that will relieve their suffering. Failing that they will sink into silence or
depression, or employ a silent-treatment punishment until
their need is satisfied or those who have wounded them have suffered enough.
If this is your pattern you will need to unlearn and
relearn. The first step in this process
is for the sufferer to recognize that you alone are responsible for the
solution; no one can rescue you. Finding
the exit requires that you believe that there is one. Speak to yourself in this new way. Memorize a scripture that expresses the
requirement to release anger and forgive.
Treat this feeling as though it has a time limit like a rain shower, and
believe it will end. It takes commitment
and practice. This burden can be handed over to the Savior of our souls who is
able to carry it. Allow Him to show you the way out
