Old Bridget

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6

“There goes Old Faithful!” Collin said as they watched hot water burst from the ground and shoot high into the air. He and his sister, Bridget, were showing their aunt a video Collin had made on their vacation to Yellowstone National Park. “The park ranger said the rock deep underground is so hot it heats the spring water,” said Collin.

“And then it reaches its boiling point and boils up and shoots out of the ground,” added Bridget.

After their aunt had left, Bridget and Collin got out a game. “You lose!” said Collin after they played a little while. “You’re not allowed to make that move!”

“I am too!” said Bridget. But Collin wouldn’t agree, and the two started arguing. Finally, Bridget pushed back her chair, tipping it over. “You make me so mad!”

“What did I do?” Collin asked.

“Tons of things!” Bridget’s voice grew louder. “You cheat, you used my bike without asking, you embarrassed me in front of my friends, you spilled juice on my homework. I hate you!” She ran to her bedroom and slammed the door. Then she opened it and slammed it again.

When Mom knocked and opened Bridget’s door, Collin was right behind her. “You know we don’t slam doors,” Mom said sternly. “And that outburst of anger was not pretty.”

“Yeah,” said Collin. “You erupted with more force than Old Faithful.” He grinned. “Hey, I know! I think I’ll call you Old Bridget.”

“Collin, go to your room,” said Mom. “I’ll talk to you later.” When he had left, she turned back to Bridget. “Collin does have a point.”

“But Collin’s mean!” said Bridget. “He’d make anybody mad!”

“We all have feelings of anger at times,” said Mom. “We need to deal with them, not just let them build up and burst out. One way to deal with your anger is to talk to the person who made you angry and explain what’s bothering you. Don’t store up angry feelings and grudges. Make an effort to make peace and be friends.”

“I don’t think Collin would listen, so why even bother?” asked Bridget.

“Give him a chance—and ask Jesus to help you forgive him when he makes you angry,” said Mom. “A loving relationship with anyone is always worth the effort.” – Nance E. Keyes

How About You?

What do you do with your anger? Do you keep it inside and let it build up into bitterness and resentment? Does it erupt in angry words and hurtful actions? Don’t let it do that! Talk with the person who made you angry and, if necessary, tell an adult how you feel. Then ask God to help you deal with your anger and be willing to forgive.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t store up angry feelings