I got it! . . .

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?

“In the face of war, social injustice,

religious conflict, what difference can I make?

 Can I even make an impact?

The odds are overwhelming. It's pointless.”

Frankly, what matters is that we do what is right, simply because that’s what it is—right.

We refrain from striking another person not because we expect that action will lead to the end of violence, but because not hitting another person is the right thing to do.

We refrain from lying to our spouse or partner not because we think our actions will convince others to be honest, but because being truthful in any relationship is the right way to behave.

We do not ignore a customer because of the color of his skin or the way he speaks. Treating all people equally and with respect is the right way to interact with others.

We refrain from wrongdoing because even if no one will know of the wrong we do—and even if our right actions have absolutely no effect on others—doing something wrong is just plain wrong.

And so, we do what is right.