Ought Not Be

"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." James 3:10

I've known that verse since I was a child. But, when I was a child I didn't curse, ever. It never occurred to me to curse. Sure, I developed all kinds of pseudo-swear words and other careless ways of speaking for which I am still repenting. But, this particular verse never really bothered me back then.

On Monday, I began a new training schedule for an upcoming triathlon. I got up much earlier than usual, sweat profusely, telling the Lord how thankful I was for the health that allowed me to experience such pain. I cleaned up, dressed, and headed to work. The cd in my car was a mix of praise songs elaborating on the greatness of the Lord and the wonder of His love for His children. I was singing at the top of my lungs, reminding myself to keep my eyes open and my hands on the wheel, thinking about what a glorious week was ahead of me. About two minutes from my destination, at the height of my personal praise fest, a truck pulling an extra long trailer pulls up in the lane to my right and proceeds to push his way into my lane, nearly causing a wreck.

Without even a second's hesitation, ever foul and angry thought I'd ever had in my car came rushing to the surface, and a few of them escaped my mouth. I was angry.

As the truck/trailer sped on ahead of me, and I approached my exit, I looked up in the rear view mirror and noticed that one of my sweet coworkers was following me. And quickly, I saw the last two minutes in a whole other light. I could picture myself behind the wheel, mouth wide open, but this time, there were literally two incongruous streams of words spouting forth, and immediately I thought, "This ought not be."

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11