Vol.2..Norwegian Farmer’s Son..February 14th

February 14th……“HOW DID YOUR FARMER FATHER, RUSSELL, TEACH YOU TWO LESSONS, AT THE SAME TIME, ON YOUR FARM NEAR KIESTER, MINNESOTA?”

POEM – “True Temper Is Good” by N. Elliott Noorlun

True temper is good, When used as it should,

For temper is strength, In-built strong.

It’s only when anger, Consumes one’s life,

Then temper is lost and all’s wrong.

Once a lesson was taught, From my father who sought,

To teach me the care of a tool.

Far deeper in meaning, Were his words to my leaning,

And in them I’d found a great jewel.

“Son, when you’re done working, Be sure you’re not shirking”,

“Clean this shovel, And coat it with oil,”

“For it’ll keep its strength, And serve you at length,”

“Through life as you face any toil.”

“But if you should shirk, This part of your work”,

“This tool will be consumed with rust.”

“Its strength (temper) will be gone, And you’ll sing a sad song,”

“When during work’s stress it will bust.”

So in life, when you’re soiled, Get clean and then oiled,

From God’s Word that you hold inside.

You’ll be strong, solid through, With His temper true,

Slow to anger as in Him you abide.