From this daunting work…
Freedom from anger is a triumph over one’s nature. It comes by hard work and the sweat of one’s brow.
The first step toward freedom from anger is to keep the lips silent when the heart is stirred; the next, to keep thoughts silent when the soul is upset; the last to be totally calm when unclean winds are blowing.
Just as darkness retreats before light, so all anger and bitterness disappears before the fragrance of humility.
Phew! Lord have mercy.
8 comments
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February 13, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Katie Judge
wow. I’m not sure I know how to do that, but that sounds exactly where I want to be …
February 13, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Mimi
Phew is right, it seems so simple, right?
February 13, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Liz in Seattle
Okay, I’ll let you know when I’ve arrived at this one. Don’t hold your breath. My family sure isn’t :-o
February 13, 2008 at 9:24 pm
bluecanopy
Haha!
definitely something to STRIVE for…..not expect. Good to know there’s some way to respond other than how i usually do.
February 13, 2008 at 11:58 pm
H West
Holy, moly. Easier said than done. Actually, maybe it’s not easier said.
February 14, 2008 at 1:53 am
Susan Sophia
I came across the second part years ago when digging for quotes. It is one of my favorites. It really was helpful…I’m still working on the “Keep the lips silent” part. It is FAR better than opening the lips many, many times throughout the day.
Thanks for the reminder.
February 14, 2008 at 4:06 pm
lauren s.
I need to remember this when I feel my blood boiling and loud and angry words are about to come flying out of my mouth.
I DO have an icon of this ladder, perhaps I should peer at it more often.
Lord have mercy is right!
Thank you, Sara.
February 17, 2008 at 8:14 am
H
WOW