The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.
—Pope Benedict XVI
…We truly are blessed to live when and where we do. Think of the vast majority of souls born into harsh environments throughout history. Even now, think of what individuals are going through on the continent of Africa, or in the countries of North Korea and Venezuela. Sure, we may not have the money we want (or even need), but our comparative comfort to others throughout history is indisputable.
I have taken some paths in life which I sometimes regret. But, when I look back on those decision points, I am going to apply a new litmus test:
“Did the path I chose take me away from my comfort zone and at least have the potential to lead to greatness?”
With that new test applied, several decisions which I formerly looked back on with regret, I now have a newfound respect for. If we want to beat ourselves up, let’s do it for not taking action rather than for making a gutsy call that may not have panned out.
MSH