These Boots are Made for Walkin'

The kids have a lot of boots, probably more boots than necessary.  They have church boots, rubber boots,  snow boots, and boots they have grown out of, but we still have for some reason.  In the winter they are supposed to stay on a shelf in the garage and pulled out when needed.  However, they are usually just thrown helter skelter right inside the garage door.  This has caused many a near accident and is a source of great frustration for the parents of the children who own those boots.

A few days ago Greg and Micaiah were home alone, and Greg was trying to get some work done in the house.  Greg needed to put something into the garage and, as usual, tripped over the boots.  Out of frustration he kicked a couple of them across the garage.  Micaiah standing right behind him witnessed this release of frustration.  Greg then sheepishly turned toward Micaiah, but before he could say anything Micaiah, in a most serious tone, said "Daddy...God said not to be angry at the boots."  

My first reaction to this statement was to burst into laughter.  But the more I thought about it, the more these simple words struck me as pure child-like wisdom.  James 1:19-20 puts it this way -  This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.  

How often do I get angry at an object or a circumstance out of my control?  Answer: All the time!  I get frustrated and bothered that I cannot make all things go exactly as I want them to, at all times.  Or I take out my anger out on these inanimate objects because I'm really angry at myself or the kids.   Either situation is wrong...and...dumb!

And now is the part of this post where I would love to wrap things up and say.  Because of this timely comment by my four year old I am now aware of my unnecessary anger, and because of that, it has been dealt with...but it's not.   I still have a temper, and I still lose it.  But in my times of failure I have been clinging to the words of this hymn by William T. Sleeper.

1. Jesus, I come
   Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
   Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
   Out of my sin and into Thyself,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
2. Out of my shameful failure and loss,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of earth’s sorrows, into Thy balm,
   Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
   Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
3. Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into Thy blessed will to abide,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
   Out of despair, into raptures above,
   Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.
4. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
   Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
   Into the joy and light of Thy home,
   Jesus, I come to Thee;
   Out of the depths of ruin untold,
   Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
   Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
   Jesus, I come to Thee.

It is so wonderful to have a Savior that I can come to no matter how big a mess I have made of my life.  No matter how angry I get, no matter how many times I lose my patience or 'kick the boots' and He is there with open arms.