May 2012 Temperance
In May we will be studying Temperance, also known as moderation. By adding this virtue to Diligence, Faith, Virtue, and Knowledge, we are well on our way toward Being George Washington.
As a man of faith and character George Washington achieved a life of high morale standard by practicing temperance in almost everything he did.
In 1798, George and Martha welcomed over 600 overnight guests to Mount Vernon. Plenty of food and alcohol was always available for their friends, yet despite the abundance that surrounded him, George Washington never allowed himself to become the slightest bit intoxicated by alcohol, and he rarely used tobacco. With the exception of ice cream (which the General bought $5,000 worth in one summer alone!), he was not a glutton for food.
Washington also had a severe disdain for vulgar language. ,"The foolish and wicked," he wrote, "practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it." It must have been difficult to not succumb to using that kind of language when all around him did—and certainly the same holds true today.
As president, Washington applied moderation to his own power. He was adamantly opposed to becoming a king, and he voluntarily stepped down after two terms in office—thereby setting a standard that became an unwritten rule of the presidency (until, that is, it had to become a written rule, thanks to FDR).
Glenn asks us this month to consider ways to exercise temperance and moderation in our own lives.
Consider moderating the amount of time you spend watching TV or using the computer. Use this extra time to focus on your family or on education, or on working on any of the other values we've experienced so far this year.
As Benjamin Franklin advised "Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation." Consider keeping a close eye on the foods that you decide to eat, and those that you provide for your family. And, like George Washington, do not let alcohol impair your judgment or behavior. Avoid the mistakes of our politicians and spend your money wisely. Buy the necessities for your family while, avoiding the inclination to over-indulge on the non-essentials.
With many challenges and problems in the world, it can be easy to wallow in despair. Glenn reminds us that this should also be done in moderation. While it is important to be aware of current issues, we must also nee enjoy good times that we share with family and friends. Celebrate the small acts of kindness and goodness that are shining throughout the world and share an upbeat attitude with others.
When we learn the moderate our reactions to both the good and bad in our lives we will find that we're able to concentrate much harder on our amazing journey, instead of being so concerned about our destination.