5-2-10 "No man can always be right." Dwight D. Eisenhower

“No man can always be right. So the struggle is to do one’s best, to keep the brain and conscience clear, never to be swayed by unworthy motives or inconsequential reasons, but to strive to unearth the basic factors involved, then do one’s duty.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower

What is our duty? I’m not talking about to God and Country, as I am sure Mr. Eisenhower was referring to but to each other and ourselves.
We have to accept that we cannot always be in the right. Regardless of our intentions, it’s our actions that speak.
My Father is an honorable man. I am blessed that I can look to him and see a person that not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. I cannot say enough good things about him. He has found a balance and is also gracious enough to know that he too is blessed.
But he has not always been this way. And to this I am also deeply respectful. He saw his mistakes and changed. He will tell you it was the Grace of God that changed him and firmly stands on his truth. I say it was his intelligence, deep thought, love and respect for duty and also Grace. It wasn’t an easy change, I saw him struggle, still see him struggle. But his conscience is clear. And the struggle has made him stronger. He no longer wears blinders, so to speak. His eyes are wide open and he always makes informed and prayerful decisions.
I am like my Father, in that, I try to think things through before making a decision. My sons will tell you that when they ask me a question that is out of the ordinary, I will say, “Let me think about it.” I do slip and fall though. I enjoy spontaneity and I like the feeling of letting go, damn the consequences. I realize this and am trying to channel that into something productive. Bit by bit. Rising above it, facing challenges, head on.
Isn’t that what our duty is? Taking our gifts and tuning them into something productive?
Living, learning, growing and accepting challenges…..ah, but life is grand, isn’t it?

Make thoughtful decisions this week, seek others counsel, pray about it, if you are so inclined.

May your week be as fruitful as I will try to make mine!

L