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When Emotions Rule

By Dionna Sanchez

Have you ever said something you later regretted? I did that recently. I didn't really regret that I felt a certain way, but instead regretted how those feelings were expressed. And words are so powerful - how could I have forgotten that? But they are out there now - and I can only hope that irreparable damage wasn't done.

A lot of times our pride and ambition get in the way don't they? It's okay to stand up for yourself but you have to be very careful in the way you conduct yourself. I have always wanted to hold myself up to a higher standard . I want to exhibit integrity, honesty, gentleness, compassion, empathy, understanding, humility, joy, and love. But there are moments where I am so human and let my human emotions overtake me. We all do at times. We all struggle with saying how we really feel.

I have been learning this year how valuable gentleness is. How powerful my hunger to please my Lord and honor Him is. How crushing it can feel to hurt another human being and to realize that I have failed in being the kind of person I strive to be; the kind of person I think I usually am. I disappointed myself and my Lord.

So what do you do when these things happen? Do you give up and wither away? I am going to start again. Start from this moment on to again be the tactful, gentle, kind, sweet person I know I can be. I will do what I can to repair what damage I have caused - not just to another individual - but to my own reputation which I have worked so hard all my life to build. All it takes is an instant to tear down honor. A second to ruin trust. I am human just like you. I make mistakes. I lose my temper - I yell and regret it - I have to say, "I'm sorry, " "Will you forgive me?" and admit I messed up. We are all this way.

The next time someone lets their emotions rule them --- cut them some slack. Remember the times when you too, have made a mistake and wished, hoped, and cried for forgiveness. Work hard at keeping your promises and living a life free of conflict; not because you don't get involved but rather because you always consider another's feelings in the way you conduct yourself.

What a kinder, gentler world this would be if we all just gave each other a lot more room to make mistakes, lose their temper, and express their heart. I wish I didn't have to learn that by being the example.

~Dionna Sanchez is always honest with other moms in her articles. You can find more of her work at Emphasis On Moms - http://www.emphasisonmoms.com