Volcanic Anger

Read: Ephesians 4:26-32

The baseball blasted off Logan’s bat like a rocket.

“Nice shot,” Jayden said.

The ball crashed through the upstairs window of the Cooleys’ house. Mrs. Cooley screamed, and a man’s shouts filled the air.

Logan dropped his bat. “We’re dead. Let’s get out of here.”

Jayden was already tightening his shoe laces. “If we’re gonna run, it’s now or never.”

Mr. Cooley appeared from inside the broken window. “Stay right there, Jayden!” he yelled. “I’m coming down. You’re gonna pay for this!”

Jayden froze. “How does he know my name?” he asked Logan.

The boys moved closer together as Mr. Cooley stepped into the yard and stomped toward them.

“Guess you won’t have to wash the window today, dear,” Mrs. Cooley called from inside.

Mr. Cooley stopped—and smiled. “She’s been wanting me to clean that thing all day, but I didn’t want to pull out the ladder. You two may have done me a favor.”

Logan looked at Mr. Cooley nervously. “We’ll pay for the damages,” he said.

Mr. Cooley sighed. “I really erupted like Mount St. Helens, didn’t I?”

Jayden scratched his head. “Who’s St. Helen? Your wife?”

Mr. Cooley laughed. “No. Not my wife. Mount St. Helens is a volcano in Washington State that blew it’s top in 1980. It was one of the largest natural disasters in US history.” He shook his head. “Sorry, boys. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. It was wrong.”

“You’re saying sorry—to us?” Jayden asked. “But we busted your window!”

“And I overreacted,” said Mr. Cooley. “The Bible has a lot to say about anger. While it’s okay to feel angry, we shouldn’t let our anger cause us to sin and keep us from showing others God’s love.” He smiled at the boys. “It’s clear I’m still learning lessons about controlling my anger.”

Jayden smiled back. “That’s okay.”

“And you boys need to learn some lessons too,” Mr. Cooley said. “Like not to play baseball too close to houses.” Mr. Cooley held up the ball and pointed to Jayden’s name written on it. “And to never write your name on a ball if you’re going to send it through a window.” He winked. “There are too many hotheads living around here!”

–Matt Shoemaker

How about you? Do you have trouble controlling your anger? Does your temper erupt like a volcano? It’s natural to get angry, but letting anger lead to hurtful and unkind words does a lot of damage and keeps you from showing others God’s love. When you feel like you’re about to blow your top, stop and remember how much Jesus loves you. Then trust Him to help you love others the way He does.

Today’s key verse: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Control anger