Recently, Pastor Judy of the Bluff Point United Methodist Church, had a message for the children that was totally appropriate for everyone regardless of age.
Pastor Judy invited the children to gather around her as she showed them a tube of toothpaste that was about two thirds used. Holding a small tub, she invited the children to take turns squeezing the tube of toothpaste until it was empty.
“Well done, children,” said Judy. “Now put the toothpaste back into the tube!”
Pastor Judy then suggested that like toothpaste out of the tube, words spoken in anger can never be recovered and may always be remembered.
I have had anger issues all of my life, and my outbursts have led to some of my most embarrassing moments. Though I have apologized many times and asked for forgiveness, my words may never be forgotten by those whom I offended, by the loved ones who heard my outburst and by me.
Because Nancy and I have been married more than sixty years, we are often asked for advice on how to maintain a happy relationship. Nancy always suggests that married couples should never go to bed angry.
Nancy is in good company. In a letter to the Church at Ephesus nearly two thousand years ago, Paul wrote:
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”
