Revenge: to avenge oneself usually by retaliating in kind or degree, to inflict injury in return for, a desire for vengeance or retribution, an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even, an opportunity for getting satisfaction. (2017, Merriam-Webster)
At some point in our lives, we all get angry, and I expect, we also, even if only for a fleeting moment, desire retribution for a perceived wrong. Most often, given time and distance from the situation, those highly charged emotions simmer down, enabling us to put aside thoughts of vengeance, and move on peacefully.
What about the times though when thoughts of revenge consume us? Jaron and the Long Road to Love released a single from their 2010 “Getting Dressed in the Dark” album about this very topic. The song, “Pray for You,” is a comical look at how we sometimes get the message completely wrong. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/AFJu8DCH_b0
The first verse starts like this: “So I listened to the preacher as he told me what to do, He said you can’t go hatin’ others who have done wrong to you, Sometimes we get angry, but we must not condemn, Let the good Lord do His job and you just pray for them.” One could rightfully consider this good counsel, yes? Listening to the rest of the song however, shows the message was definitely lost in translation.
What follows are the “prayers” of the offended, “I pray your brakes go out runnin’ down a hill, I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to, I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls, I pray you’re flyin’ high when your engine stalls, I pray all your dreams never come true, Just know wherever you are honey, I pray for you.” While the listener did as was suggested, I don’t think this is the kind of prayer the preacher had in mind.
I had a similar experience one morning this week in the hotel gym. As is my custom, I was using the elliptical with the lights out and blinds open. About fifty-five minutes into my work out a young woman enters the room, flips on the lights, closes the blinds, and hops on the treadmill like she was the only person in the room!!
My blood started to boil!! How rude!! It is a small room, there’s no way she didn’t see me. She never said a word, never asked if I cared, nothing. Since I was the first one to arrive, common courtesy would dictate my desires took precedence until a discussion ensued and a compromise was reached.
For the last five minutes of my workout a lot of vengeful thoughts raced through my head! My ideas ranged from punching her in the face, to yanking her ponytail so hard that she’d fall off the treadmill, to marching over and ripping the blinds completely off the window, and finally in an act of complete immaturity, flipping the lights off as I walked out the door.
Fortunately Jesus, my proper Southern upbringing, and imagining my mother’s shock if I were to act on my indignation kept me from carrying out any retribution. Instead, I finished the workout, let the door slam just a bit as I left the room, raced up the stairs and screamed with righteous anger while I showered. By the time I arrived at work, the incident was nothing more than an unfortunate memory. I never recovered quite enough to think happy thoughts for her, but neither did I wish ill will upon her.
So, there is my sordid tale aired for all to see. Next time you find yourself consumed with revenge, which path will you choose? As always, the decision belongs entirely to you.
Until Next Time,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”