This is a particularly taboo topic.
There is a great story about the two wolves. I’ll paste it below for reference.
The Wolves Within
Author Unknown
“The Wolves Within”
An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, “Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”
He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.”
“But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eye and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather solemnly said, “The one I feed.”
Reflection
So much to say on such a provocative story. I speak for myself, anger issues do dwell within my heart at times. It shows on my bad days. It shows when I fail to control myself. Do I break things? No. Do I yell at the wrong people? No. My temper is a means to tend to on these days. My humility stands taller than my pride.
Unashamed to admit to my flaws as a man.
I aim to do better each day. Try harder. Be a good giver. An excellent teacher. A good listener. Focus in on the righteous side of life.
It’s only right that we let go of hate and anger. not for those who have done bad onto us, but for ourselves. Holding grudges and brokenness only eats us in the long run.
What are your meditations on this one? Happy Sunday to you.