Maybe we can learn a lesson from the Chinese Bamboo Tree seed...

When planted, the Chinese Bamboo Tree seed has to be watered daily...and fertilized too! For the next four years, hardly any growth happens - and without knowing, from history, that 'something' is going on underground, one might give up hope and abandon their daily care. But then in the 5th year, something amazing happens...the tree can grow as much as 90 feet - in only a year!

Think of how the nurturer of this tiny seed feels when he realizes what his faithfulness to his effort has accomplished.

I recently heard an inspirational message that focused in on something that the speaker says that counselors report hearing, consistently and increasingly...from their clients.

No surprise here for anyone. It is the desire and expectancy of immediacy, speed and convenience...and being dissatisfied with anything less than instant gratification. No one wants to commit to anything for the long haul ~ or pay the price with any degree of sacrifice.

This attitude eventually carries over to permeate every area of one's life, including their livelihood. The 'lazy man's' approach to acquiring wealth seems to be what people are seeking these days...rather than one of reaping the rewards from endurance. It is almost a sense of 'entitlement'.

People are growing frustrated by leaps and bounds when they can't make their fortune without first taking steps to establishing a firm foundation for achieving their dream. Instead, they jump ship and quit without learning to face the inevitable challenges and obstacles. It's easier to throw in the towel.

And, when it doesn't happen for them...many are in the counselor's office...on the couch and wailing about their 'failure' when they most probably never even got off the ground.

The lecturer, I listened attentively to, said that the MAIN thing that brings down people...leaders, who are otherwise destined for greatness is a lack of self-discipline. Not skills, not attitude...not self-esteem.

Because...having skills, a good attitude and self-esteem doesn't always mean that we ARE self-disciplined. Sometimes there is quite a degree of separation between them.

Many with supposedly good self-esteem are often the ones who feel 'entitled' to landing on Easy Street...without paying the price with any sacrifice, at all, to get there. They don't have a principled work ethic in their 'tool' bag...and aren't well equipped to handle the challenges that come up in any endeavor.

Self-discipline. The speaker believes that IS the key to achieving the purpose that we were born to do.

Being consistent, dependable, stable, solid, reliable...making the right choices at crucial junctures. Finding the necessary inner strength to master our emotions which may otherwise be our weak spot; causing us to lose focus.

And then there is the lowly ant. The ant goes around gathering it's harvest for the cold winter months...never veering off task - just keeps on keeping on...and gets the job done in spite of obstacles which they learn to work around.

Pretty smart little things aren't they? Well, maybe they aren't achieving their life dreams, but they ARE eating well. :)

The bottom line suggested in the message I heard is to get a firm grip on one's life and to be steadfast and unwavering. To take steps daily to strengthen our self-discipline. That alone, is the the best way to build honesty of character.

We certainly can't always depend on others to get us back on track and to do our work for us. No one is going to care about our life, our success or share the misery of our failures as much as we do.

It all comes down to strengthening our character and acknowledging that life is a marathon...not a 50 yard dash!

Could self-discipline really be the weak link in so many stopping short of reaching their personal destiny?

And, is it really in short supply in today's society among the restless who aren't achieving their dream/goals and are growing weary of trying?

Perhaps it was this weekend's inaugural ceremony that put me into such a pensive mood. It was such a moving experience for me and I can't help but believe that so many hopes and dreams are pinned on this new administration.

Can they put our country back on track and establish a new mood and restore a sense of common duty and morality?

I, for one, am certainly hoping that our new leaders are big believers in continually working on their own self-discipline and will not let us down...that they will set an example that inspires each of us to follow along.

A new beginning...filled with so much promise. I believe that this period can also be a turning point in each of our personal lives as well...

The Monday morning optimist ~
Amber