This quote that is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly sums up my definition of success.
To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.
However, it really is a quote by Bessie A. Stanley. This portion is what I strive to do every day.
to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.
Why? Because as Matthew 25:40 puts it, what we do for others we do for Jesus.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Is this difficult, yes. Especially when you work in customer service and your job requires telling people “No” a lot everyday.
But nothing worth doing in life is easy. So do it anyway.
May God bless you with the ability to do life’s tough, routine work.
Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. Michele is the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.
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