I can be a "bull in a china shop," "steam-roller" kind of person. That's what I was yesterday, for the 100th, (1,000th?), time. When will I learn that bold, emphatic, confrontational statements and dire warnings delivered with emotional intensity seldom achieve a positive result? I suppose there is a place for the impassioned hyperbole that I am so adept at delivering, but most of the time, a gentler approach is more effective. Oh, Lord, corral this passionate spirit of mine and temper it with Your grace and tenderness. Illumine my mind to see people the way You see them and to know when to give free rein to the fervid nature within me (if there ever is occasion for that) and when to quench those fires with the soothing water of Your affable presence.