Shannon is speaking:

Saturday morning, I went to our local shop to pick up my meat order. In front of me in the parking area was an elderly couple who was taking a little bit longer to park. Against my old nature, I waited patiently for car doors to be closed and for them to stop messing around with the car. I even gave the old man a thumbs up to show I will wait for the old lady to shift stuff around on the back-seat and find bags for their groceries. 

I parked right next to them and as I came around my car to go and do my shopping, I saw something that put my back up. Another elderly man, much bigger than my neighbour, was pushing him around and swearing at him because my neighbour supposedly took too long to park. But the angry elderly man was already parked when my neighbour and I parked. 

I get quite upset when elderly people are threatened. Quite friendly I said to the man to calm down and relax. You know, it was Saturday. 

And that big man turned to me and started really swearing at me. My late mother was also called into the story. Now you know, I’m a small woman who unfortunately for this old man, has been involved with martial arts for years, and even though my hair is grey, I don’t look my age, unaided by Botox and stuff. Good genes. Irrespective of size, I can really hurt a man. 

And I have a temper and a mouth that would make many a man think twice about taking me on. I don’t become common, but I can take a stand. 

As we walked along, the man continues to insult my womanhood and where I can go. And right in front of the sliding door at Spar where you enter the shop, right by the cashiers, this man decided to push me.

Everybody was staring at the man and me. So, I straightened my back and moved towards the butcher. The couple who had been attacked by the angry man came to thank me. The woman was a cancer patient suffering from a lot of pain and having trouble walking. 

The angry man had even followed them through the shop continuing to spew fire. So, I stood guard until they had finished their shopping and then I went to do mine.

All that I could think of was that the Holy Spirit was walking right beside me and I could keep my temper in check.

Shannon knows her weakness. But she doesn’t just leave it. She works on it. She asks for help and asks the Holy Spirit to take her by the hand. When this boorish old man keeps on looking for trouble, she could do the right thing and control her temper.

⁶… It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered …

I must try it!

Scripture
Titus 1:5-9

Reflection
How easily do you lose your temper?
Where do you have to speak and act differently?
How will you do it?

Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I become too comfortable with my weakness, too used to it. Please help me believe that even my anger is not too big for You to control. Please help me win the fight against my emotions and pride, and to be like You. Amen.