Like Any Other Day...Tempered

Like any other day
I was driving home
An object bounced my way
From a semi...it had flown!

I dodged to the left
But should have veered right
For the tire leapt
Wildly like a kite

It smacked onto my windshield
One would think I'd be lacerated
Yet the glass was slow to yield
Then shattered like beads separated

Though this tire flew and caught
I had not been endangered
Pondering more...a lesson was taught...
On the meaning of being tempered

Glass evenly heated takes more stress
Such that there's less harm when broken
We can better endure life's press
When peace to our hearts is spoken

Indeed our very souls
Can be strengthened in all things
Through self-discipline as our goal
We're moderated for what life brings

Where e'er our course lies
May we also seek for peace
Ever through Jesus Christ
Who strengthens us to increase

Let us learn in this dispensation
From the impatience and uncertainty
When hearts are angered in disputations
The first thing gone is security

Let us learn from our beloved Savior
Who was oppressed yet opened not His mouth
Then when we face others risen in anger
Let the heat of it temper us more sound

Elder Kent D. Watson
Being Temperate in All Things
Ensign, November 2009, 38

moderated- having elements or qualities
mixed in proper or suitable proportions;
especially made less severe

1 Cor. 9: 25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Alma 7: 23
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Alma 38: 10
And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.

D&C 12: 8
And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.