How does anger affect our lives? When I was being ordained as a Deacon (back when we had a two-step ordination process), I was asked: “What really makes you angry?” It was obvious to me this was a common question they asked all the candidates. They were waiting to jump on the person who answered, “Nothing makes me angry”. Guess what my answer was? “Nothing makes me angry.” I could see the gleam in their eyes!

Even without an “official” system, people are evaluating (yes, judging) us. I don’t believe we can control what other people think of us, and I freely admit people are not always fair. I do believe our character matters, and we should attempt to live to the highest standards.

What does it feel like to be on the “outside” of a group? Last Friday I had the opportunity to lead worship and communion for the board of Wespath (who handles our pensions benefits). They were meeting at a hotel in Tucson for their board meeting. To be quite honest, I had a busy week with little time to think about Friday. I arrived home around 9:00 PM on Thursday from Appointive Cabinet meetings and finished my preparations. I had to be at the meeting room in the hotel by 9:00 AM. Two things struck me as I arrived. The first was most of the men were wearing ties (for those who know me, what are the chances I was wearing a tie?). The second was I didn’t recognize anyone. I was highly aware of not being a part of this group.