Two Ribs and a Nose

The coffee shop was busy but I was able to find a vacant little table. As I sat enjoying my cappuccino, I overheard one of the three men at the next table.

The man's voice was loud and deep as he proclaimed to the two fellows sitting with him, "You don't have to be intimated by anyone!" He set his coffee cup down, leaned back in his chair and proudly told the men how he had broken two ribs and the nose of a man he thought needed to "learn a lesson". There was no way he'd "back off".

The man appeared to be in his early fifties. He was not a young boy describing a scrap in the school yard. The fight he described sounded like a western barroom brawl. Perhaps he had not been in his right mind at the time. Perhaps he had been on medication or was drunk - although, his ability to recall the details had not been impaired. He arrogantly declared that no one could intimidate him.

Although he conducted himself in an impetuous and dangerous manner, he had a point. We needn't feel intimated by anyone. It is possible to state our point in a calm voice with rational thoughts, showing respect and listening patiently to others. Forcing our thoughts and beliefs on others results in a stand-off also known as 'the cold shoulder' or an argument or a physical fight. Just look at all the past wars and ones that are in existence today. No one wins; no one learns. But there are times when our anger burns and, boy, oh boy, it sure would feel great to smack someone. Enemies are easier and quicker to make than friends.

World peace is most people's desire. But how can it be achieved when there are many different and strong points of view concerning politics, business and religion? Here's something that makes sense to me; if we "cease from anger and abandon wrath; don't fret, it leads only to evildoing." That's from Psalm 37:8. And here's something else; "the meek (the mild mannered people, gentle in nature, those in control of their tempers) shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11

For some of us it is a difficult task to control our tempers. But that ugly monster can be controlled when we stop fighting God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Or we can choose our own stubborn painful way of simply biting our tongue.

Well, here's to you and world peace - I raise my cappuccino in a toast.