Anger Management Workbook
Anger Busting Workbook
Page 68
Anger
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broke the camel's back. Michael ripped
into her for over 10 minutes about all that he was doing
to keep this family financially solvent, reminding her
that this was her own stupid fault for having such a
stupid job at such a stupid store and wasn't there anyone
around here that appreciated hard work anymore? After
unleashing his very loud, very harsh broadside, he stormed
out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Retreating
to his workshop, he stayed there, working of
course, for the rest of the night.
And so for the past three days it was
like living in Antarctica. Kelsey and Michael spoke
to each other in three-word sentences and the kids walked
on eggshells when their dad was in the room, which wasn't
that often. The pain and sadness in Kelsey's
face said all that needed to be said, anyway. Michael's
face looked like it had been carved out of Mt. Rushmore.
Finally, on the third day, today, Michael came home
with a kind of different look in his eyes; a little
bit scared, a little bit sheepish, and
maybe just a little bit apologetic. He took her into
their bedroom, where they both sat down on the edge
of the bed. With speech that was halting and quiet,
he began this conversation:
Michael: Honey, I have been doing some
thinking today and ... well ... (his voice trailed off
for a second).
Kelsey: About what?
Michael: Uh, I just wanted you to know
that I think you were probably right the other day,
about me working too much and all. And ... well, ...
I was wrong to act the way I did. I'm still not sure
how much time I can clear out on Saturday, but I am
going try to find a way to free up at least half of
the day. Go ahead and plan whatever you think would
be fun. I really do want to be with you and the kids.
Kelsey: (after a long, astonished pause)
Michael, I don't know what to say; well, besides thank-you
and that sounds wonderful. I just have one question
... what made you change your mind.
Michael: (taking a long, deep breath)
Well, you are probably going to think this is pretty
weird. You know that really churchy guy I work with
named Bill? Nice guy, but I always thought he came on
a little too strong about God and all. Anyhow, he could
see I was really bummed out when I got to work the other
day, and when he asked me what was wrong I was just
mad enough to tell him. You know what he said? He said,
"Mike, the quickest way to end a tug of war is
to let go of your end of the rope." Isn't that
strange? He also asked me to at least be open to the
idea that God might help me if I would just ask. Well,
I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. So, this
morning, on the way to work, I told God I was willing
to let go of my end of the rope, if he would just help
me figure out what to do next. And here I am, letting
go. You were right. I was wrong. I don't know exactly
what to do now.
Kelsey: I do. And she leaned over and
gave him a huge, iceberg-melting kiss.
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