Great Strength!

The great Italian Maestro, Arturo Toscanini, is said to have been as well-known for his ferocious temper as for his outstanding musicianship. When members of his orchestra played badly he would pick up anything in sight and hurl it to the floor. During one rehearsal a flat note caused Toscanini to grab his valuable watch and smash it beyond repair. Shortly afterward, his devoted musicians presented him with a luxurious velvet-lined box containing two watches; one a beautiful gold timepiece, the other a cheap one on which was inscribed, "For rehearsals only." [Selected. Original source unknown]

I am thankful the conductor of the orchestra of which I am a member does not have the same temperament as Toscanini. Though he challenges us with some of the music he selects, and is serious about getting things right, our conductor does so in a very encouraging way. I'm glad that even when we do make mistakes, rather than beating us, our conductor restarts us, beating his baton for us to follow.

Anger has a way of causing one to lose control. Action takes place before thought is given with often irreversible consequences. Anger over a mess has sometimes led to a greater mess to be cleaned up. What needs to be "rehearsed" is taking time to take a few deep breaths and think a moment before the anger is taken out on objects or others.

Solomon stated. . .
"(31) WHOEVER IS SLOW TO ANGER IS BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY, and HE WHO RULES HIS SPIRIT THAN HE WHO TAKES A CITY." ( Proverbs 16:32 ESV)

Though in anger objects may be able to be thrown great distances or down with a mighty force, it is actually the MAINTAINING OF CONTROL that is a sign of great strength, as well as great wisdom. Having this victory over self is greater than the victory over a city. May we seek God's help in conquering self, ruling the spirit well.

Have a great day REHEARSING STRENGTH TRAINING OVER SELF!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Anger