As we learn more of what’s right, we may have to break with how we’ve done things in the past. Following our conscience may leave us open to the charge of inconsistency. But come what may, must be able to say, “I did what I believed was right.”
There is not much we enjoy in this world that is not a gift. When we’re thinking clearly, we’ll be humbled by a profound sense of gratitude, and our gratitude will show up in a serious desire to be responsible stewards of our endowments.
Enterprising individuals are self-starters. They don’t have to be held by the hand and encouraged to get busy. Active rather than passive, they are bold. They go out to meet life head-on because they are stirred by aspiration and hope.
You can’t judge what you should do by judging what is relevant. You will first have to determine what is true and good. Once we’ve locked in on these primary goals, then we can figure out which actions are relevant to them and which are not.
In the end, the “law of the farm” always prevails: we will reap as we have sown. There are no tricks, techniques, quick fixes, or personality shortcuts that will give us a good reputation if we haven’t earned one by honest, rightful living.
Age has a certain “definiteness” that youth does not. When we are young, our lives are filled mostly with possibilities, but as we age, the real characteristics of our lives begin to emerge. “A young boy is a theory; an old man is a fact” (Ed Howe).
A certain amount of conflict is going to sweep over us. When it does, there can be within our hearts a calm, peaceful place of refuge. If we can’t choose to avoid conflict, we can at least choose how to respond to it. Therein lies our freedom.
Our painful emotions have their place. So solace doesn’t necessarily mean ceasing to feel sorrow or pain. It means being comforted and supported as we feel those emotions. In time, we will feel better, but for the time being, we simply need solace.
All serious work requires preparation — sometimes over a long span of time. Indeed, the time of preparation may exceed the time of the work itself. And not only does it take time, but it often requires considerable hardship and pain.
If honest evaluation indicates that we’re “a city broken down, without walls,” now is the time to work on our self-control. When we’ve mastered our impulses, we’ll be rulers over a treasure-city with riches no enemy is strong enough to take from us.
