Christian Living
Larry Lilly's Letter Monday December 7, 2009
I am most always on the lookout for a nice statement, the statement be about anything as long it is well worded and thought provoking. A librarian friend sent such a statement last week that really caught my attention. Actually she was answering an inquiry and the statement was a thought for the day. Havelock Ellis said:
"The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."
At first glance it seems like a contradiction, but it really is tremendous insight into the reality of successful living. Kenny Rogers expressed the same thing in a more theological manner in the lyrics, "You've got to know when to hold um, know when to fold um."
An observer of living will clearly define three groups of people; those who always let go way to soon and their opposite, those who hold on and on, bulldog like when even if they were to win, the struggle isn't worth the pain, and those who have the uncanny ability to know when to let go or hold on.
I have spent many years trying to learn just how to consistently be in the third group. According to my bank account I am not doing very well. According my contentment account I am doing very well. Knowing when to let go of anything the least bit unethical contributes to my peace of mind, and for your learning I will share a secret. In things concerning ethics, let go the instant you know something is unethical. Certainly all of life is not black and white, else life would simple. But the despair of many who hold on long after the ethics whistle has blown is documented each day via the media. Madoff for example.
Some things in life are neither ethical nor unethical, but you are still faced with the dilemma of: "what to do?" Your time, talent and treasure are all you have in this life and you must learn the art of using each wisely.
All of us with children face the time of; "Is it time to let go or hold on a little longer?" This decision must be made after much thought and prayer and the use of common sense. One Primary thought must be that children are made to perpetuate the race and this is not to be done in the nest. Even eagles could never fly if they stayed in the nest.
James, our Lord's brother has some timeless advice for this matter: James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit
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