Temperance

     Did you know that the true definition of this word means moderation and restraint, especially for alcohol? I didn't know that. I thought it just meant moderation and restraint. Thankfully, I'm able to have restraint with alcohol. It's not a necessity. But it makes me think of all of those people that do not have this restraint, and my prayer for them will remain most fervent. One of the virtues St Ephraim of Syria says prayer helps to form. Temperance suppresses anger, restrains pride and envy, draws down the Holy Spirit into the soul, and raises us to Heaven. 

     Self control. A characteristic needed by every single person in this world. Whether it be in n eating, working, speech, or emotion. Love is the only virtue, to me, where Temperance should not exist. Love and Temperance go together. It is only when the love becomes prideful or self-serving that it diminishes Loves main purpose.

     Everyone goes through pity parties. But it's to what extent you let that pity party go to. Some feel that dark cloud as a satisfying safety net that allows them to remain in the existence of sorrow. You walk and talk like no one else is going through any hardships harder than yours. You judge, you gossip, you're blinded by your own pity. You allow yourself unfeeling to anything or anyone that might be suffering way more than your own trials. Almost coming to a determination that unless they feel what your feeling, they do not matter. I am a sinner. I am weak. I've allowed myself to come to pity parties many times in my life. But thankfully, I have people in my life that remind me of how Jesus would handle things. And my pity party goes away and leaves me with empathy for those still struggling. That is why it is very important to encircle yourself with friends who are truly sent for your well-being and achievement in resisting all things that are self-seeking. 

     Temperance, is a virtue we must all pray to receive. It helps us step outside of ourselves and serve the God made Man, in all possible ways. Jesus was and is the perfect example of Temperance. He allowed people to ridicule, judge and ultimately place their judgments on His actual being and body. The scars we see in every picture of Him shows that. The Sacred wounds show us a product of non-temperance. Of a people who wanted this virtue to die and not exist. Wanting self-serving to be the ruler and ultimately to destroy a Temple that in three days was raised to High Majesty. Therefore proving Temperance must be placed in high honor, as it was one of Jesus's greatest qualities. 

     Yes, I am a sinner. A weak remnant of non-temperance many times. Praying for Mercy every day of my life. Seeking that which gives perfection in all ways. In all elements of this life, and thanking God that He is still willing to wait for me as I learn through my faults. What a merciful and loving God we have! 

     Oh God! Take this sorrowful heart of mine, this soul, that truly does yearn for you and you alone,and mold me into the virtuous person you created us all to be. Show me how to preserve Temperance within me and may I be an example of the Love you have  instilled in each one of us. 

    Pray for Temperance. It's a good thing.