Our vision is a picture or idea that we have in our mind about something that we wish to happen. It is our mind’s view of an ideal future. It takes passion to motivate us to act upon our vision. When we are passionate about our ambitions, then our goals and ideas can be realized. However, in the pursuit of our goals there will be disappointments, so be prepared and don’t give up!
If you fail today then try again. This is the way life is. It is filled with up and down moments—sometimes years. Life is never stable for long periods of time. It is like a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows. The joy in my life hasn’t been constant. Seventy-two years has taught me that after high school, the military, college, getting married, having children, buying a house, accumulating material things, and being hospitalized, it is my faith in the Lord that keeps me going and from giving up.
I’ve come to realize that life is a wonderful journey when I am striving toward my vision with passion. Frank Sinatra sang a song that paints a vivid picture of life titled That’s Life. “That’s life, that’s what people say; You’re riding high in April; Shot down in May; But I know I’m gonna change that tune when I’m back on top in June. I said, that’s life……. I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate; A poet, a pawn and a king; I’ve been up and down and over and out; And I know one thing; Each time I find myself flat on my face; I pick myself up and get back in the race; That’s life.”
To succeed in life, you need two things:
- The right people. Sometimes the first step toward not feeling discouraged is finding somebody who can lift your spirit. Don’t be like the guy who was about to jump off a bridge when a policeman approached him and said, “Surely nothing could be that bad. Tell me about it.” When the guy got through talking – they both jumped! The company you keep will either lift you up or pull you down.
- The right perspective. It is said that over half of all salespeople fail because they don’t go back a second or third time. However, those who do go back and don’t settle for failure are the ones who achieve their goals. That’s the group you belong in.
Missionary and theologian E. Stanley Jones said, “when life kicks you, let it kick you forward and refuse to accept defeat.” So be passionate about your vision and don’t settle for failure; get up and try again! And God will work with you. So, Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
