Discipline

“Overcoming the Circumstances of Life”

“We talk about “circumstances over which we have no control.” None of us have control over our circumstances, but we are responsible for the way we pilot ourselves in the midst of things as they are. Two boats can sail in opposite directions in the same wind, according to the skill of the pilot. The pilot who conducts his vessel on to the rocks says he could not help it, the wind was in that direction; the one who took his vessel into the harbour had the same wind, but he knew how to trim his sails so that the wind conducted him in the direction he wanted. Never allow to yourself that you could not help this or that; and never say you reach anywhere in spite of circumstances; we all attain because of circumstances and no other way.”[1]

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[1]Chambers, Oswald: The Moral Foundation of Life : A Series of Talks on the Ethical Principles of the Christian Life. Hants UK : Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1996, c1966