School Thy Feelings…

Much of life and of love, of home and of happiness, is less than it might be because of tensions and tempers, resentments and feelings of offense that separate loved ones, that keep people apart, that drive away the hallowed spirit of home and the peace of the heart. Sometimes we feel wronged. Sometimes we know we have wronged others. We all say things we wish we hadn’t said, and do things we wish we hadn’t done, yet often let stubbornness and pride keep us from apologizing, from clearing misunderstandings – and can’t quite seem to humble ourselves to face the facts, to clear the air from feelings of offense. And so we sometimes rationalize – blaming others, absolving ourselves – frequently forgetting, or not admitting, that there are two sides to most misunderstandings. The seasons pass so swiftly that we ought not let any of life be lived in coldness and unkindness when we could so often clear up offenses if we would – and we should, not only for the sake of others but for ourselves – because every lingering resentment we carry around with us is a kind of slow eating acid that cuts and corrodes and takes from us the full enjoyment of life and loved ones. Let those who are married talk things out and come closer, and find again in each other what they once found. There must be forgiving. There must be forgetting. There must be honest effort to make amends – not just a gesture, but attitudes and actions that prove we are sincere. Let children and parents come closer, and friends and neighbors, and let life be lived, not with quick tempers and lingering resentments – but with the understanding that knows there are two sides to most subjects. Admit errors; make apologies, clear up the brooding clouds at home and in the heart, that keep us from enjoying life and loved ones, and from being at peace with ourselves inside – all somewhat summarized in an old song:

School thy feelings; there is power

In the cool, collected mind;

Passion shatters reason’s tower,

Makes the clearest vision blind….

School thy feelings, O my brother;

Train thy warm impulsive soul;

Do not its emotions smother,

But let wisdom’s voice control.