EVERYBODY GROWLS SOMETIMES
by
Rebecca Somoskey
Tasha trudged to her locker and shoved her books inside. Her best friend Sara had just told her to "bug off because she was tired of listening to her mouth." Mom had growled at her this morning when she accidentally spilled orange juice on the counter. Last night Dad had growled at her for leaving her sweater on the couch instead of hanging it in the coat closet. She tried to explain that she was going to wear it to youth service later, but he wouldn't listen. Mrs. Anderson had fussed at her for slumping down in her desk during her 2nd period history test. "You can think better when you sit up straight, Tasha," she'd said. It seemed as if everybody was growling at her lately.
When was the last time you growled at somebody? Did you growl at them because of something they did or said to you, or because you were feeling out of sorts? When you growled, did it make you feel better? What did the other person do or say? If they growled back, how did that make you feel? If they ignored your growl, how did that make you feel? What is the best response to someone who growls at you?
The Bible gives the answer in Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
What do you do when someone growls at you when they have no good reason? Read Matthew 18:15; Ephesians 4:31-32. Go and talk to that person. Find out what it is that causes them to growl. Sometimes people growl at others over something of little importance because there is something else they are troubled about. Maybe you offended them without realizing it. Maybe they are going through tough times and are hurting, and they strike out against you to try and make themselves feel better. When you learn the cause of their growling, pray for that person.
What happens when two people continue to growl at each another because neither one tries to understand the other person? The growling continues until it consumes us and we become mean, nasty and impossible to live with.
What are some of the reasons you growl at others? Don't feel well; having problems at school, or work, or with other people; can't get what you want; don't like that person; don't like yourself; person did something hurtful to you; you are mad at God because your prayer hasn't been answered.
Make a list of your reasons. Now, close your eyes and think of those who have been growling at you lately. Pray: Dear God, I pray for _____. Help me to do what I need to do to understand and pray for _____. If it is something I can fix, give me the grace and courage to fix it. And if it's me growling help me to apologize quickly and be patient when I bring my problems to You, because sometimes answers take time.
Amen
