How can anger be real when in an instant

— “Poof”—it’s gone.

Living in a residential area, I found the oversized truck parked periodically in the guest parking area to be seriously annoying. That’s against the rules! Not a business area! Plus, it sticks out into the driveway!

Then one day, walking to my building, I heard a “Hello there!” It came from the smiling man approaching me from the next building.

“Can I help you with that box?” I declined his thoughtful offer, but we got to talking. A friendly conversation on a pleasant sunny day.

Then he said it: “That’s my truck.” 

My expression must have reflected my feelings for the looming vehicle, because he quickly added, “I don’t know where else to park it when I visit!”

He was sincerely distressed. And poof, my anger was gone. That quickly! That’s how insubstantial it had been. And how quickly we can change our thoughts when we understand a situation and quit spinning silly tales based on preconceived, erroneous opinions.

Now . . . what else can I poof into oblivion?

I resolve to refrain from greed. Instead, I will . . .

When we jump to conclusions,

we invariably land in the wrong place.

Having taken my seat on the airplane, I noticed the interaction between the two people seated in front of me. Something they said made me smile. A smile that, unbeknownst to me, was noticed by the woman coming down the aisle.

“That’s right, laugh at me!”

The voice was plainly upset. Whoa, I said to myself. Turning immediately to the direction of the outburst, I saw a woman struggling with her carry-on bag and a seriously cumbersome personal item. I can only imagine that she was frustrated with—and embarrassed by—having to wrestle with her belongings in full view of those already seated.

My thoughts had been on the couple in front of me, but my smile was perceived as happening in regards to something very different. And so, a coincidental smile had left a harried fellow passenger steaming. In her awkward position along the narrow aisle, she quickly concluded that I was laughing at her. Which, sadly, only increased her misery.

I resolve not to use enticing speech. Instead, I will . . .