From Anger to Acceptance

Another work trip, training, separation—and grief descends once again. You try to ignore it. Try to figure out how to get out of it. You cry.

And you get angry. Angry at your work. Angry at the circumstances. Angry at the world.

Anger might be the prevailing emotion for families facing frequent work travel and separation. A lot of emotion is associated with having to separate from spouses and children. And when faced with such crises, we must choose the fight, not flight response. We need to resist being overtaken by anger instead of running away from the personal responsibility to manage our emotions properly. Accomplishing this requires much discernment, especially when dealing with the family.

Dealing with anger is only one piece of the puzzle. After all, anger’s brother, resentment, loves to tag along. Fights start over nothing, and everything, in the increasing stress as the departure looms. Children can grow sullen. Somehow, it feels easier to say goodbye to someone you are mad at or pretend you don’t care about it than to face the truth that this will hurt deeply.

Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another, curse, or be rude.

Ephesians 4:31 (CEV)

But as Christians, God calls us to handle that emotion carefully. We can ask him for wisdom to recognize what is at the root of our anger. We can pray for the maturity to stop the arguments, to refuse to play that game. We can overcome sullenness or bitterness with love.

You don’t want or need doubt hovering over a relationship when you have to be apart. This can open the door of insecurity in your marriage and for your children. They need to know mom and dad will get through this so they can also find the strength to do likewise.

How do we do this? Consider Jesus’s words and actions at the last supper. He knew of Peter’s pending betrayal but spoke to him with grace. He knew the suffering that was coming, yet he stooped to wash feet, sat for a meal, and spent time in prayer. Ultimately, he accepted God's mission with the words, “not my will, but yours be done.”

So as you prepare for what’s ahead, fight hard to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving, even as Christ has done.

PRAY

Oh, Lord, forgive me. Please help me to deal with all the emotions my family and I are experiencing. We can have hope amid all this only because of you. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How do you feel when mom and dad argue?

Apply: Consider making a pact as a family, like: “We will not let our anger control us. We don’t want to hurt each other, so we will try to clearly explain our feelings and find a way to work together.”

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Ephesians 4:32

Colossians 3:12-14