How to Avoid the Explosions
by John Allen · 17 things on NewTwos
- Those who live around any type of chemical or ammunitions factory have experienced the occasional explosions. Such explosions are not foreign to the residents of those in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee. We have several chemical and ammunition manufacturers in our region and continually live with the possibility of an explosion.
- Typically, explosions of this sort are caused by an increase of pressure in the piping systems or storage tanks. Such was the case of the most recent explosions in Kingsport.
- "Could this have been prevented?", is always the question that is asked after these explosions. "What could have been done to avoid such a catastrophe?" Regulators, inspectors, and government officials spend weeks following these events asking questions, reviewing policies and processes, filling out paperwork, and eventually imposing more regulations with the intent that such a tragedy never happens again.
- What is the root cause, though? Is negligence the root cause? Is it a lack of proper policies or processes? Is it a lack of understanding on the part of the operators and technicians? Though all of these may have a part with the issue, they are not the root cause. Again, then what is the root cause? One word...pressure!
- Pressure is one of the leading causes of all types of explosions, including the pressure of the human spirit.
- Recently, I was speaking with a friend. While doing so, my friend expressed to me the struggle they were having with their spirit and anger. I shared with my friend what I am about to share with you. It is what I call the "planned relief principle". Simply stated: to prevent the explosions, plan your release.
- Proverbs 16:32 states, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Notice please the emphasis of ruling the spirit. This is not a reference to the Holy Spirit (as we are not able to rule Him) but a reference to our own spirit, which includes our attitudes and anger. To rule the spirit means to be in control of it and the best way to do that is to plan how to deal with the building pressure.
- We each have those things that cause us irritation and even frustration but far too often we permit those irritations and frustrations to build unto the point where we explode out of anger. We permit the things that bother us to pressurize until there is seemingly no other option except to lash out at others. Such was the issue with my friend, and such is the issue with us all.
- Some would say to have a long fuse, when it comes to our tempers, but I have found, that is not a workable solution because it implies that we just keep everything bottled inside. When we keep everything inside and do not plan our relief then we inevitably have far worse explosions, as it were.
- What then is the solution? How do we plan our release?
- Learn your limits. Take some time privately to reflect on previous explosions, when you lost your temper and lashed out. As you do, try to understand your limits and how much pressure it took to cause the problem. Take into consideration all that took place surrounding the event; such as, unusual stress, lack of sleep, lack of time in prayer, etc. These all play a part in the building pressure.
- Plan the pressure relief. After you have learned your limits, which is different for each person, then plan at what point you will relieve the building pressure within your spirit. Do not wait until you’re raging mad, which is the last thing you or anyone else wants.
- Have the conversation. Once you have learned your limits and you have planned the relief then have a mature and calm conversation with the person or persons with whom is causing the frustration or irritation. Perhaps, there are mounting disagreements between you and your spouse. Rather than waiting until it all comes to a head, why not learn your limits, plan the pressure relief, and then have the conversation. Do not unload everything at once but only one part. Why only one part? Every person needs time to think and respond. When we unload everything at once then it is taken as an attack by the other person(s) and then they will react in the same manner, which results in another explosion.
- Learn from the experience. No one is every right all of the time. Perhaps you are the one who was wrong. Listen to the other person and consider what they tell you. It could be that they were the one who was right. If that's the case then learn from the experience and seek to make the corrections.
- By God's Holy Spirit we have the ability to control our spirits. May we all learn from this and seek to avoid the explosions in our lives.
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- About me: I am follow of Jesus Christ who serves as a husband, father, local pastor, and manufacturing engineer. Though my days are always filled with something involving those four areas, I write when able.
If you would like to reach out to me my email is pastor@crbcfallbranch.org.