Temperance: A Lesson from My First Time Voting

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me the value of temperance. It’s a story about my first time voting, an experience that left an indelible mark on my life.

The Excitement of the First Vote

It was the year 1960, a time of great change and turbulence. The air was thick with anticipation and uncertainty. I was a young man, barely out of my teens, and it was my first time voting. The sense of responsibility was overwhelming, but I was eager to make my voice heard.

The Heated Debate

My friends and I were passionate about our political beliefs. We spent countless hours debating, arguing, and sometimes even shouting. It was a time of high emotions and even higher stakes. But amidst all the noise and fervor, I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of temperance.

The Lesson of Temperance

One evening, in the midst of a heated debate, I lost my temper. I shouted at a friend, my words harsh and unkind. The room fell silent. I immediately regretted my outburst. It was a moment of clarity, a realization that passion without temperance can lead to regrettable actions.

From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to practice temperance. To listen more than I spoke. To consider other perspectives before forming my own. To express my beliefs without belittling those of others. This lesson of temperance has served me well throughout my life, and I hope it serves you too.

Temperance in Today’s World

In today’s world, where opinions are often shouted rather than shared, the lesson of temperance is more important than ever. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, to let passion override reason. But remember, my friends, that temperance is not about suppressing your beliefs, but about expressing them in a respectful and considerate manner.

So, the next time you find yourself in a heated debate, remember my story. Remember the value of temperance. And remember that your voice is important, but so is the way you choose to express it.

Until next time, stay wise and stay kind.

Kev