"Fly Off the Handle"

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Romans 12:18

I could end this post here as that definitely, without explanation, reminds me I have much work to do in this sanctification process.  Thankfully, it doesn't depend on me but on the greater Power, and He has given explicit instructions.

However, I was thinking about a situation this morning and another verse that says something similar: "When a person's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him." Proverbs 16:7  I'm sure there are more jewels from the "living and active" Word of God regarding our attitude toward struggles with other people.  But those two verses alone cause much reflection and gratitude for God's loving discipline.

As I thought through the "situation", I found myself counseling me about my face, my tone, my response, my Biblically conditioned heart and all the shoulda, woulda, couldas of life.  I prayed that God will help me think before I respond.  That starts with the heart, then the face (that needs to be reflecting the joy and gratitude of salvation all the time) and then a slow wise response that has God's glory in view.  Easy words, hard job.

As I prayed and reflected on these issues of life, my thought ran to an old phrase: "fly off the handle".  How many times I've done that, I don't like to think about.  I began wondering what the phrase meant.  My first thought was bicycle handles.  And we all know what happens when you fly off those handles!  I found out it wasn't about bicycles, but the imagery is definitely a deterrent, so I'll stay with it.  In reality, and I'm sad to say, through experience, I have "wrecked" many a relationship by "flying off the handles"!