The Word for Writers

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In addition to making resolutions for the new year, perhaps we should review our individual shortcomings and attempt to correct them, especially if we have shortcomings which might help our relationships with family and friends.

When I was younger one of my shortcomings was my temper. Fortunately we tend to mellow as we get older, but I am going to quote a verse called TEMPER. I can remember I clipped it out of a church newsletter [I can’t remember which one], the author is unknown, but at one time it fit me to a ‘T’. I have lost it, but It pops up every once in a while, just like today, to remind me I once had a temper, I have curbed it but, this piece always reminds me to keep it under control.

TEMPER

When I have lost my temper I have lost my reason, too.
I’m never proud of anything which angrily I do.
When I have talked in anger and my cheeks are flaming red,
I’ve always uttered something which I wish I hadn’t said.
In anger I have never done a kindly deed or wise,
But many things for which I felt I should apologize.

In looking back across my life, and all I’ve lost or made,
I can’t recall a single time when fury ever paid.
So I struggle to be patient, for I’ve reached a wiser age.
I do not want to do a thing, or speak a word in rage.
I have learned by sad experience that when my temper flies,
I never do a worthy thing, a decent deed or wise.


I think back I showed my temper regularly when I was angry with my husband John, who was a mild-mannered man. I was giving him a tongue lashing, stopped to catch a breath, and he, in his usual mild manner, said “Are you done?” I was then.

I will close with my greeting to you. “May you always have…Sunshine to greet you wherever you go, a fun-loving spirit you never outgrow, joy in the journey whatever you do, God’s presence to guide you and help see you through.

And remember, God loves you and so do I.

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