The Singing Scoutmaster: Losing Your Temper

(Hold up a sheathed hand axe for all to see.)

I have in my hand a tool that helped the pioneers blaze a trail across our country. Many lives depended upon this instrument to protect, shelter, and feed them. The care and handling of the axe, of course, was given only to a very responsible individual, one who was certain to keep it sharp and clean, one who would know that placing the axe too close to a fire would heat up the metal and cause it to lose its temper. Once the steel of an axe loses it's temper, it's useless.

From time to time, all of us get involved in an argument or some fiery discussion. When things get out of hand, we should always try to remain calm and in control of ourself. If we become overheated in those situations and lose our temper, we'll find ourself rendered as useless as that axe.