Slow

James 1:19-21
¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

I read this verse on facebook this morning.  It was pretty incredible to hear those words because there are times I let stress and frustration take over my thoughts and responses to certain situations.  Notice the only thing that is "quick" in these verses is the listening part.  All I need is to open an ear and take in every word.  I totally fit the stigma of the guy that wants to be the "problem solver" when all that is really needed is to just be there.

I can remember a time in high school when I had all the answers and I ran at the mouth way too much.  One night after a church Christmas performance I was being my typical self and I thought I would open my mouth and fire back at another guy after he hurt my pride.  Well, I just happen to mention his Mom in a vulgar manner and I found myself with a face full of fist.  Did I deserve it, YES!  I am thankful for experiences like this, no matter how painful.  As humans we are designed to display outward displays of emotion, but it's not a golden ticket to take the filter from our mouths or show some sort of patience and due diligence.  "Slow" is the word of the day.......embrace it.