Gas

My Sweetie has more Gas than I do. I know that's hard to believe. But it's true. Really! See, we were at a yard sale years ago. My Sweetie spotted a container that holds 5 gallons of Gas. She bought it. Me, the Gas container I got from Mom and Dad only holds one gallon. So, my Sweetie has more Gas than I do. With Gas, of course, you need to be careful. If my Sweetie is using the 5 gallon Gas container to fill the pressure washer, she is careful. If I'm using the 1 gallon Gas container to fill the lawnmower, I need to be careful. (Not that I actually use the lawnmower. That's why I keep going to the hospital. I'll do anything to get outta cutting the grass!) You need to be careful around Gas. In this week's Gospel reading, Jesus talks about conflict. Now I know, at your church, just like in your family, there is no conflict, Ha! Ha! Ha! I have arguments with myself every day. How could I not have conflicts with those around me? Including God, by the way! "Israel" means, one who wrestles with God. Done any wrestling with God lately? My friend, Rick, he's a man of real prayer and real faith. I keep telling Rick what I would like him to pray for. For others, and for me. Rick keeps spoiling my God Gimme List by responding--- God's will be done! I hate it when he's right! Me, I'm gonna do some wrestling with God today. Conflict is everywhere. Including in me. Conflict often involves anger. If I don't hear what I want to hear, I get angry. I was at the specialist yesterday. I thought he'd order one test. To check on my belly. He orders four tests! Oh, for crying out loud! This is like a part-time job! That's okay. I feel what I feel. If I feel angry, that's okay. It's also true. Anger is like Gas. I need to be careful. In Psalm 4, verse 4, it says, "Be angry, but do not sin. " This is repeated in Ephesians 4:26. "Be angry, but do not sin." I feel angry. That's okay. I feel what I feel. But where I go from here, when I feel angry, I got choices. That's where thinking of my anger like Gas comes in. When I feel angry, it's time to pay attention. Be careful. Just like when I'm pouring Gas into the lawnmower. I felt angry at the specialist. I gotta go through all these tests?!!! Praying about this, praying for God to bless the specialist, my attitude changes. That's a miracle, right there! Thank You, God! The specialist is trying to be thorough. So I don't end up back in the hospital with tummy troubles. He's trying to be thorough. God bless him! I sure don't wanna go back to the hospital!!! Is there anybody you feel anger towards today? Including God? Including yourself? It helps me to think of my anger like Gas. I need to be careful. I need to pray about my anger. And many other things!