There once was a boy with a very bad temper. The boy’s father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he game him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wood fence.
On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 40 nails into the fence. He was really mad.
Over the cross of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased. It wasn’t long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn’t lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn’t wait to tell his father.
Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.
Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak. “When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you’re sorry the wounds will still be there.”
-Author Unknown-
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Would it be safe to say, we’ve all been here, at some point in life? I know I personally have and sometimes cringe when I think about what I’ve said or done without giving thought to how it may affect the other person. So, I’ll admit, I’ve driven nails, retrieved nails and left scars upon hearts.
Whether a child, a teen or adult, learning to stop and think before saying what crosses the minds is often a difficult lesson. This is especially true for children and teens who are still learning to understand there are consequences for all actions, good or bad.
Teaching children to use caution before speaking can save feelings, families and friendships from being hurt.This doesn’t mean it won’t happen again but maybe it’ll happen less often.
Remember, once hurtful or angry words are spoken, they can’t be unspoken and even if forgiven, may not be forgotten.
I’ve read this parable many times and came across in the local Joelton Shopper distributed to local residents. It can also be found, along with more inspirational stories at www.inspirationpeak.com.
Hope you enjoyed!
-Tonya Steele
