Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Habits of a Loving Heart

I attend a ladies Bible study once per month on Monday evenings - we are using the book by Willard Tate called Habits of a Loving Heart. It has been a really good study. Last night we discussed chapter 7 - Keeping a Long Fuse.

Based on that, I thought I would share a little story one of the ladies had tucked away in her Bible. She's carried it around with her for years and she was kind enough to let me make a copy of it. I think I will tape it to my window over my kitchen sink:

Temper
When I have lost my temper I have lost my reason too,
I'm never proud of anything which I angrily do.
When I have talked in anger and my cheeks were flaming red,
I have 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 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.

5 comments:

euphrony said...

Piece of trivia: my mom dated Willard Tate at one time.

Anne said...

That's pretty cool. We have enjoyed using this book for our study.

Jenn said...

Great quote.

I tell my kids that it's not the getting mad that will get you in trouble, it's what you do with your 'mad' that can.

That Janie Girl said...

That's an awesome quote.

Anonymous said...

when I lose my temper people get decked..I should probably tape this on my forehead