Director of Spiritual Care Jim Andrews
Sometimes anger can feel like a wild emotion. Haven’t we all had times when we said or did something out of anger that we regretted later? A harsh word to a spouse or significant other, reacting to an impatient co-worker, or even taking it personally when a patient or family member lashes out in frustration? Yet, when we are able to channel the energy that anger generates within us in positive, solution-focused ways, it can become a powerful motivating force which can help us to solve problems and generate resolve and determination.
The key, as a friend recently articulated to me, is to be a thermostat rather than a thermometer. Not to merely reflect the heat in the room, but to have the strength of spirit to be able to set the temperature. What freedom! Freedom to choose our response. Freedom to direct our energies towards understanding, healing, justice, and remedy. Think of the impact on our families, our communities, our organizations, our countries!
May we all strive to be “thermostats” this week! Have a great week, everyone!
Jim