2. Discover hidden talent that you never realized you possessed.
3. Become self-reliant when your own experiences prove that your contribution is needed.
4. Show more daring for good once you discover ways and means, on your own initiative, to solve problems affecting everybody.
5. Develop your imagination and enterprise each time you strive to be a “self-starter.”
6. Enjoy the sense of personal fulfillment that the Lord promises to those who, while depending on Him, put to good use the reasonable independence which He expects each of us to show.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and youwill find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
HELP ME, O DIVINE MASTER, TO FACE MY RESPONSIBILITIES,
NOT DODGE THEM.
– Live Creatively –
Someone once asked Mallory, the famous climber who lost his life on Mount Everest, why he wanted to attempt to scale that mountain.
Mallory answered simply: “Because it is there.”
The daring climber saw a challenge in the very existence of the uncharted peak, and something would not let him rest until he had attempted it.
Many of us would like to drift through life, taking it as it comes, following the easy path. But for others a challenge exists — the challenge to live creatively, to mold life into something worthwhile. Like the climber, they see the difficulty and the hardship, but they see also the reward: a deep sense of accomplishment — the sense the Christian has when he carries Christ up the steep slopes and keeps in sight the end of the climb — the peak of eternity.
… nor height, nor depth, nor any othercreature will be able to separate us from thelove of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
LORD, TEACH ME NEVER TO TURN AWAY FROM THE CHALLENGE LIFE
OFFERS TO WIN SOULS BACK TO YOU.
– The Cost of Discipleship –
When you accept a position of responsibility, don’t be surprised by the troubles, problems, disappointments, and misunderstandings that go with it. Such trials are the penalties of leadership.
Far from being disheartened by hardship, regard it as a badge of honor. It is usually the best possible proof that you are on the right track.
The Leader of Leaders constantly reminds all who would be effective Christ-bearers in His cause that they must earn their battle scars. “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Look beyond the heartaches and heartbreaks that you are bound to encounter. They are the lot of every worthwhile leader. Never forget that you are winning most while you seem to lose.
One day you will have the consolation of saying with St. Paul:
I have competed well; I have finished the race;I have kept the faith. From now on the crownof righteousness awaits me, which the Lord,the just judge, will award to me on that day.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT I AM WINNING WHILE I SEEM
TO BE LOSING, O MY SAVIOR.
– Endless Love –
A ninety-nine-year-old doctor in Pennsylvania gave a forceful answer when asked why he did not retire after nearly seventy years of practice. “Who would take care of my patients?” Was his reply.
Declining a proposal to make his birthday a community celebration, the dedicated doctor, said to be the nation’s oldest practicing physician, insisted on keeping his usual office hours.
Those who devote their time, talent, and energy to the service of others who are in physical, intellectual, or spiritual need enjoy life as few others do.
Seldom do they seek or feel the need of the pleasures and diversions which are almost a necessity for those who have occupations to which they give little of themselves.
Whatever your job in life may be, try to see in it countless opportunities to share the blessings that God has entrusted to you with as many people as you can — and for as long as you can.
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, becourageous, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
REMIND ME, O JESUS, THAT I HAVE ONLY A COMPARATIVELY
SHORT LIFE IN WHICH TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.
– A Big Vision –
Two men were working on a cathedral. One, a skilled artisan, cut the stone needed in the construction of the great building. But his gloomy, grouchy attitude plainly showed that his work meant little more to him than providing him with a livelihood.
The other man was just an unskilled laborer. His job was simply to carry the stones that the artisan prepared. But he went about his work with such zest and enthusiasm that a passerby asked him how he could be so happy doing such an ordinary task.
“How can I be so happy?” he exclaimed. “Why, man, I’m building a cathedral.”
Greatness of outlook and purpose can inspire anyone to reach beyond the narrow confines of a kitchen, factory, or office and contribute to the common good of all.
God blesses bigness of vision. Those who truly strive, even in an insignificant way, to bring His love and truth to all men realize that they are truly trying to build a new world.
“Go into the whole world and proclaim thegospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15
DEEPEN IN US, O HOLY SPIRIT, AN APPRECIATION OF HOW WE CAN
RISE TO GREATNESS THROUGH BIG VISION.
– Where Am I Headed? –
“Where did we come from?” “Where do we go?” And in between: “Why are we here?” The answer to these questions are at the heart of Eugene Vale’s penetrating novel, The Thirteenth Apostle.
This provocative story dwells in a most engaging manner on the “mystery of our role on earth — the great questions at the beginning and end of our existence.”
It is a gripping account of a search by an American consul, an artist, lost in the mountains of a small Caribbean country. The quest leads the consul into deep soul-searching. Readers find themselves confronted by the same eternal challenge “which can be pushed from our minds, but cannot be denied.”
God made you to know Him and love Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for all eternity. The more fully you comprehend this divine purpose for your existence, the more meaning and nobility you will add to your own pilgrimage through life.
“In my Father’s house there are manydwelling places. If there were not, would Ihave told you that I am going to prepare aplace for you? And if I go and prepare a placefor you, I will come back again and take you tomyself, so that where I am you also may be.”
John 14:2-3
INSTILL IN ME, O HOLY SPIRIT, THAT DIVINE DISCONTENT
HERE BELOW THAT LEADS TO PERFECTION HEREAFTER.
– Two –
The Power of Love
Have you heard St. Augustine’s monumental spiritual advice: “Love God, and do what you will”? That sounds like Jesus, doesn’t it? It’s the Gospel in a nutshell. Think for a moment of Jesus’ last two