Past memories are poignant and precious; they speak of that other world, where I once fell, the one I face yet still most days. The world where the idealist approaches the brick wall of reality and either crashes into it and falls stunned to the ground, or, receiving a fresh surge of power, it lifts higher and flies above the monstrous concrete structure. This year, O God, may I fly higher.
'There is often conflict between the ideal and the practical, the remote and the immediate; and this conflict presents real problems. As idealists we may live on a different plane and with a different set of standards than the pragmatist. The idealist will, for instance, regard love as a higher broader basis of judgement than sheer retributive justice. He will seek to lay up treasure in heaven rather than upon earth. He will measure values in terms of service to others rather than benefit to self. We need constantly to life our sights above worldly standards - success depends upon the strength of our courage and conviction, upon the clarity with which we see issues.' (A wise person, whose name I never recorded)
I am excited about 2011. I believe it will be a good year - yes, we are sunk middle in a deep depression and the snow and ice are due back next Tuesday evening with temperatures of -6 degrees, but a flame of hope burns within me. It really does.
Motto: 'Go and do thou likewise' (Luke 11)
No comments:
Post a Comment