Monthly Archives: December, 2012
A real and active virtue
“True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue – not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it.” — G. K. Chesterton Although my habit of taking photographs wherever I go sometimes annoys my companions, a few friends share this passion and understand. Photographs …
A cathedral in mind
“A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock pile when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery Not everyone is capable of seeing past present realities to grasp what is possible in difficult or unappealing situations. Yet the alchemy of a transformative idea can render the most …
No pessimist
“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” — Helen Keller Few sights are more breathtaking to me than the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding lands and sea. Such a vivid reminder of the creativity of people, and especially of the God in …
To lead a simple life
“To lead a simple life in reasonable comfort, with a minimum of possessions, ranks high among the arts of living. It leaves us the time, resources and freedom of mind we need for the things that give life value: loving, helping, serving and giving.” — Eknath Easwaran
Cheerfulness breaking in
“Where Christ is, cheerfulness will keep breaking in.” — Dorothy Sayers The Bible says “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” For most of us, this is an ever-repeating cycle. Even in years of great happiness, there are intervals of grief. And even in the darkest night, there come glimmers of …
A great revolution
“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” —William James Despite the controversies that linger over who deserves the credit for the birth of aviation, the Wright Brothers exhibited a persistence and dedication that changed …
Defeat Despair 