I read this quote just a few minutes ago, and have now read it several times since. I’m curious to know if it has the same sticky effect with you.
“Many persons have the wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose” – Helen Keller
My first thought it that much, much time is spent on self-gratification. Only the barest fraction of time – if any at all – is spent in steadfastness toward a worthy purpose. Could this be partly to blame for any dissatisfaction I feel as this day come to a close? I can’t help but pause for a minute. How much of today did I spend in satisfying my own temporary needs and wants? Comparatively, how much of today did I spend on a purpose completely outside of myself, something that stands as a worthy purpose regardless of my presence in the midst of it?
As I said, I am curious to know what you think. Post a comment, and let me know if you see any truth in Ms. Keller’s poignant words.


September 29th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Wow, did this article make me pause and think. When I look book at some, dare I say most, of the endings to my days, so many of them are unhappy or melancholy. And to be completely truthful, it is almost always the result of dwelling on what didn’t happen for me. I feel the guilt of everything that didn’t get done that I wanted to. I can recount the words that have been spoken to me, or not spoken. It’s amazing/scary how long I can focus on myself!! What if I put that effort God’s way? What if I was as upset about what didn’t get done for His Kingdom as I am for my house work? Aaaggg! What an eye opener your words were Michele.