I know this is nothing new but I am realizing that I have to find a way to get through this life without getting upset/angry when other people behave badly. Too often I find myself going over conversations in my head and slamming my cupboard doors over negative exchanges and guess what? Nothing is accomplished. I just feel bad.
I went to a women's scripture study last week. We were discussing Mosiah 26 and at one point we talked about this scripture:
"30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
31 And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."
This is a familiar concept. Jesus talked about it a lot but that doesn't mean it's easy to practice. First of all, I let the everyday petty interchanges bring me down way too often. And then of course there are other experiences we all have- those that are serious and deeply painful- where forgiveness is the answer but it is so hard to give.
We spent quite a while talking about this and agreed that often we can't conjure up feelings of love and forgiveness on our own. We need Christ's help and He can literally take it from us. He can even make us forget the pain we've felt.
As I left that meeting I felt so peaceful and optimistic. But within 24 hours I had interactions with several people (including my progeny!!) that left me feeling pretty angry. No sign of patience or forgiveness anywhere. Commence cupboard slamming! arghh! I think I need to employ some behavior modification tactics. Deep breathing, a quick prayer, maybe a yoga pose. I dunno... wish I could find a way to turn this weakness into a strength- tired of blaming it on PMS.
