Ponder this thought from Theodore Roosevelt as you consider the challenges before you today…
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Excerpt from the speech “Citizenship In A Republic” delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April 23, 1910.
Most inspiring, Dave! In fact, my favorite quotation from T.R., advocate of living “the strenuous life”…I often shared those same powerful words in my Air Force days, including addresses to young airmen at Shaw AFB back in 2001. I can relate to Roosevelt’s perspective, particularly as both he and I grew up as asthmatic, allergy prone youngsters who by God’s grace were able to run and be more active later in life. Those words inspire me to do my best and trust in our Creator even as I realize I am far from perfect, and it’s okay. I pray that generations of Americans to come will take heed of this wisdom to live such a challenging and meaning-filled life…and unite that with a steady walk with our Lord. Let us all “dare greatly”…in God’s power and love and strength!! Thanks for sharing today.
Thanks Brian! Are you watching the documentary now on the Roosevelts? What I’ve seen is excellent.