Daily Stop & Thinks

Living Life

The purpose of life is to live it… without fear for newer and richer experience. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late US president’s wife and activist)

Some people seem to be stuck, uncertain as to what to do or hesitating for fear of failure. There are so many opportunities for learning and doing that it seems a terrible waste of time and ability just to wait for a better time. As Roosevelt says, the very reason for life is just to live it—to be active, perhaps to find fulfillment by serving others.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Stories

It has been said that next to hunger and thirst our most basic human need is for storytelling. (Khalil Gibran, 20^th century Lebanese-American writer)

Do you remember your parents reading or telling stories to you at bedtime? Maybe they made up those stories. They helped us to learn about life from an early age. Education gurus have been telling us recently that orality may be a more effective teaching device than reading books or doing research. Telling stories is such a simple and effective way to teach. Let’s learn to do it.

Jesus used many. . . stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33).

Determination

The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. (Ayn Rand, late Russian-American novelist)

There are some work places where enterprise and initiative among employees are frowned on. In those places you have to have permission from someone with more authority before you can try something new or different. Rand’s question is good for the rest of us. We’re not looking for consent; we just want to follow our instincts and move ahead without opposition.

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good; and to be so always (Galatians 4:18).

Wealth

The problem with affluence . . . is not that there is anything wrong with prosperity itself but that material abundance often leads to spiritual amnesia. (Mark Powell, author and professor)

Most of us live in a pretty affluent community, and many of us are working hard to become even wealthier. But, as we evaluate society at large, we may come to agree with Powell’s observation. People with wealth and influence may not be as happy and content as others with a lot less of this world’s goods. Let’s not lose our emotional and spiritual health in seeking the pot of gold.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Reading II

Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are. (Mason Cooley, late college professor)

The Coronavirus pandemic gave most of us a lot of time at home to do nothing—or to find productive activity. As Cooley says, reading can get us out of the isolation and “do nothing” idleness that can be so unhealthy. Choose a good book—or several—and move away into adventure and learning that can encourage you and change your attitude about the hard times.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (Proverbs 1:5).

Reading I

The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page. (Rachel Anders, author)

Literacy is one of life’s most importance achievements. Even with modern technology, we often have to “read” what’s being transmitted in cyber space. Opening a book may actually open a whole lifetime of learning because as fiction writer Dianne Duane, wrote, “Reading one book is like eating one potato chip.” You just can’t stop; so reading—and learning—goes on.

The Apostle Paul from prison: “When you come, be sure to bring. . . my books, and especially my papers (2 Timothy 4:13).

Pleasure

Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it. (Søren Kierkegard, 19^th century Danish philosopher)

“Breathless” and “haste,” indeed, are two words that clearly express the pace of life in 21^st century America. And it is also clear that it’s the pursuit of pleasure that seems to drive so many in modern society. Author Janelle Bruland asks, “When was the last time you stopped, and simply enjoyed what you are doing in the moment?” In slowing down perhaps you will find joy.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

Impossibilities

Every noble work is at first impossible. (Thomas Carlyle, 19^th century British essayist)

“It can’t be done!” Haven’t you heard that before? Who would have thought 20 years ago that you could sit in a meeting, separated from your colleagues by miles, but able to see and hear them and speak into the meeting as well. Somebody thought it was possible, and here we are with “virtual” meetings of all kinds. Never say “Never.”

[Jesus] replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27).

Self-Control

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself. (Michel de Montaigne, 16^th century French philosopher)

How often do we wish we could change things around us? We might say, “If only…,” and we are frustrated that we aren’t in control. Perhaps we should consider Montaigne’s idea. If we could successfully manage ourselves, maybe the example of our own self-control could be an incentive for others—even those who are in charge—to exercise wisdom and care.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13).

Contentment

We are not born with the instinct for contentment; rather, it is learned. (Howard Dayton, author)

Is it ambition, greed, or simple boredom? Whatever the cause, a lot of people seem to be dissatisfied with their place in or the pace of their lives. As Dayton suggests, contentment is not born in us. It’s our nature always to be wanting more or, at least, different. To learn to be content is a worthy and important goal to pursue.

So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires (1 Timothy 6:8-9).

Choices

The choices that we make in our life, indeed determine the kind of results that we experience and the quality of the life that we live. (Sumeet Jain, engineer and educator)

As children mature, they begin to learn what adults have known for a long time. There are many things in life over which we have no control. But! Have you come to realize that you do control the choices you make every day? How to make right choices is a fundamental principle we all must learn.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one (Ecclesiastes 10:2).

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

Stand Firm 

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. (Abraham Lincoln)

Standing firm is an admirable character trait. Being sure of what you believe and defending it strongly is important. But, as Lincoln suggests, what you’re standing on—your argument or your belief—is really the important issue. Arguing strongly on a questionable principle is like trying to stand firmly on a slippery slope or a mossy rock. Be sure that what you’re standing on is right.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong (1 Corinthians 6:13).