“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to measure and organize the best of our energies and skills.” — U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), at Rice University, Houston, Texas, September 12, 1962
“No system can long command the loyalties of men and women which does not expect of them certain measures of discipline and particularly self discipline.” — Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008), 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I choose greatness. I want to live no ordinary life. I want to associate with those who aspire to achieve the full measure of their capabilities. I wish to surround myself with those to whom life is a grand adventure, full of invigorating challenges, mental Mt. Everests stretching out as far as the mind’s eye can see, awaiting the footfalls of intrepid explorers, excitedly pushing the envelope to find out the far limit of possibility and potential.
And as stimulating as the daily climb may be, the warmth of the communal campfire at day’s end calls equally strong. Full measure of the joy of the journey lies in the stories told and shared at eve’s end, each member telling tales of the day’s triumphs and follies. The camaraderie would never be as strong were the day’s challenges not so great. There cannot be a “Miller Time” without some meaningful effort, some great trying.
I do not aspire to mediocre effort or half tries, particularly about what is core to me. If that be all you have in you, please seek others with whom to walk life’s way. I wish you no harm, indeed you are still part and parcel of the sea of humanity, so I wish you well in full heart. I just wish to walk a different road, a road that is frequently steep, often hard, and challenging. It is this road that will serve to “measure and organize the best of (my) energies and skills.”
Closing Questions: What roads have you chosen? Are they worthy of your talents? Do they call out to the best in you? Your companions: are they cheerleaders and role models to you? Sources of energy and inspiration? And you to them?