One of my favorite quotes from George Washington has to do with industry: "It's wonderful what we can do if we're always doing." I finished something last night, something I've been working on for almost four years--law school. As I drove home from the law school I was impressed to consider the amount of sacrifice those around me, especially my wife and kids have committed to helping me accomplish my goal. Then the GW quote sprung to my mind--"if we're always doing." The work of the kingdom, and of any worthwhile endeavor moves forward on the power of sacrifice, motivation, and as I've most recently discovered, tailored attention in the form of spiritual faith. We really can do all things of which we are commanded, if we'll make the decision to forgo those things that don't really help us get there. As I was struggling to put the finishing touches on a few papers and complete some work projects I mentioned how busy I was to a friend and he, meaning well, suggested I not watch so much TV. I haven't followed a show in four years, no American Idol, no Dancing with the Stars, no Lost, none of it. I don't share this to brag, I share it to inspire. If I can knock out law school while working full-time, teaching seminary, and traveling 100K miles and 60 nights a year you too can accomplish those things of greatest worth in your life!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Thought on Success
One of my favorite quotes from George Washington has to do with industry: "It's wonderful what we can do if we're always doing." I finished something last night, something I've been working on for almost four years--law school. As I drove home from the law school I was impressed to consider the amount of sacrifice those around me, especially my wife and kids have committed to helping me accomplish my goal. Then the GW quote sprung to my mind--"if we're always doing." The work of the kingdom, and of any worthwhile endeavor moves forward on the power of sacrifice, motivation, and as I've most recently discovered, tailored attention in the form of spiritual faith. We really can do all things of which we are commanded, if we'll make the decision to forgo those things that don't really help us get there. As I was struggling to put the finishing touches on a few papers and complete some work projects I mentioned how busy I was to a friend and he, meaning well, suggested I not watch so much TV. I haven't followed a show in four years, no American Idol, no Dancing with the Stars, no Lost, none of it. I don't share this to brag, I share it to inspire. If I can knock out law school while working full-time, teaching seminary, and traveling 100K miles and 60 nights a year you too can accomplish those things of greatest worth in your life!
