What is the Secret Source of Most Anger?

May all your misplaced anger

Melt in the warmth of authentic grief

Over yet met desires

In an imperfect world.

Psychologist Larry Crabb has asserted

That anger results when we confuse

Desires and goals.

Desires can be good and godly,

But they are not within our control.

Goals are objectives we can control.

I might desire a long and healthy life—

A good desire.

But what can I control?

I can exercise and develop a healthy diet—

Good goals.

Pray about your desires.

Work toward your goals.

It’s when we think of a desire

As a goal that we get mad.

It’s when we think someone (or something)

Is blocking our desire that we start fuming.

The authentic response in the face

Of unmet desires is grief, not anger.

I bless you to pray with faith for your desires,

And to have energy to pursue your goals,

And to never confuse the two.