I remember the old idiom, “count to ten before you speak.” The wisdom of this advice is obvious. Thomas Jefferson added to this council, “When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.” Certain words of wisdom are obviously true and have lasting value to each generation. 2022 is no different, now is the time for people to stand up and count to ten.
Maybe the rationale behind this adage is to take time to thoughtfully respond as opposed to rashly reacting. Reacting is in the moment and runs the risk of being tainted by emotions, situations, and circumstances. Although reactions can be positive, but this only comes by a person being trained to respond to the event beforehand. Doctor’s, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement are each trained for months and years in how to respond to emergency situations so they might react in the most productive way.
In our personal relationships, and in our World today there are many needs. Today, I am focused on just one of those needs, the need to practice self-control and not anger. Reaction much of the time causes anger and anger harm. Self-control, on the other hand, brings forth a trained and thoughtful response. To react or to respond, all outcomes are determined by these two methods.
“Love is not easily angered…”
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
