Freeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel Thread ~ PERSISTENCE -- THE KEY TO SUCCESS? ~ December 27, 2009

The Canteen Crew ^ | December 26, 2009 | Serving the Bestest Troops in the UNIVERSE!!!! And don't give me any guff! ;)

[Brad’s Gramma]

 

 

 

 

PERSISTENCE -- THE KEY TO SUCCESS?

Walter Wintle once wrote:

"If you think you are beaten, you are; if you think you dare not, you don't; If you'd like to win, but think that you can't, it's almost a cinch that you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost, for out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will; it's all in the state of mind. If you think you're outclassed, you are; you've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man; But soon or late the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."

President Calvin Coolidge had a similar philosophy. "Nothing in the world," he once said, "can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Inspiring words. But they can be deadly. Because they are only PART of the equation for success. In fact, contends Price Pritchett, "If you stake your hopes for a breakthrough on trying harder than ever, you may kill your chances for success." He reinforces this assertion with the example of a fly "burning out the last of its short life's energies in a futile attempt to fly through the glass of the windowpane." It is persistent, single-minded and determined. But it is also doomed. It will die there on the window sill because it's strategy is flawed. And all the while, just a few steps away, the door is open! This kind of persistence, Pritchett points out, is an idea that can kill. Some times "trying harder" is part of the problem!

Persistence IS vital. But it doesn't always mean sticking with the same strategy. There's an old story about a businessman in a three piece suit who took a shortcut across a pasture on the way to work. He was almost halfway across when a bull in a distant corner saw the trespasser and charged after him. Running as fast as he could, the businessman threw his briefcase over the fence and slid to safety just in the nick of time. A bystander helped the man to his feet, dusted him off and commented, "Boy, that was a close call; that bull almost got you." The businessman shrugged and smiled. "Yes," he replied; "he almost gets me every time."

All around us, we see people pursuing flawed "visions" for success and happiness. In business, in politics, and in their personal lives. And when the strategy proves empty and unfulfilling, unfortunately the response is often simply to "try harder." Scripture is very practical in encouraging us to examine the long-term view. Centuries ago, in fact, Moses spoke to the Israelites saying, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants shall live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) The promise of God through Jeremiah the prophet was similar: "You will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

As some wag once said, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got!" But is that what we really want? Better that our persistence should be devoted to finding and following God's "better way." Jesus promised, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

 

[Lady Jag]

three French chicks.... TWO TURTLE DOVES....

And a Part Bridge in a Pear Sea!

[luvie]

Wonderful pictures and stories of our troops, Sandy! Thanks!

...and a late Merry Christmas to you. :D

[yorkie]

three French chicks.... TWO TURTLE DOVES....
And a Part Bridge in a Pear Sea!

And a part ridge in muh toupee...

[Kathy in Alaska]

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you, Cindy, and thanks for the links.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord’s Day to you, E...((HUGS))...hope your snow is melting, and Chuck and Bo are doing well.

[mylife]

Enjoy Marions Attic for the next 54 mins or so~ Marions Attic

[mylife]

45 mins

[Cindy]

A blessed Lord’s Day to you Kathy.

Do you have snow?

Some grass has been showing through the snow...basically just freezing/below freezing temps.

[unique]

No, three pecking hens (chicks)!

Happy New Year!

[mylife]

[Lady Jag]

three French chicks.... two purple gloves....

[Lady Jag]

Uh uh,

[mylife]

Now enjoy Harry Shearer's "Le Show"

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Sunday to you, Pusterfuss...((HUGS))...chilly at your house. Unfortunately it is 32 here. YUCK!! It is winter....STAY BELOW FREEZING and stop making icy roads!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

But, but, but....they were excited.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good afternoon, ms b....yes it is. I can listen over and over. Hope you’ve gotten some rest....maybe even a nap with a buddy or 2. d:o)

I’ve been sorting and working with paperwork all day. And having a fight with my computer. I won eventually. Don’t know what its issue was.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

[MS.BEHAVIN]

No nap today, but a quiet day..
A little laundry and cleaning.
Just taking it easy, as I have to be up at 0630 tomorrow..
UGH!