An Eastern monarch asked his wise men to invent a phrase that would apply to all times and in all situations. After careful deliberation, they offered this statement: “And this too shall pass away.”
When Abraham Lincoln heard the story, he mused: “How much it expresses. How chastening in the hour of pride; how consoling in the depths of affliction.”
When you’re going through tough times, don’t be overly discouraged because “this too shall pass away.” And when you’re going through times of prosperity, don’t be smug and proud because “this too shall pass away.” Events are seldom as catastrophic or fortunate as we think. This truth, if embraced, will give us ballast and stabilize our emotions.
In my early forties I had several career leaps that catapulted me up near the top of my profession. The rails were greased and the momentum strong. But the high times were soon tempered by the challenges of life. Good times don’t last forever.
In my late forties I became clinically depressed. I thought my life as I knew it was coming to an end. If you’ve never been depressed, it’s hard to understand the feelings of hopelessness and confusion that torment the mind. I told my wife that we needed to liquidate our belongings and go live with her mother out in the country. But that season of my life passed. With the help of medications, I climbed out of the dark abyss and resumed normal life.
Winston Churchill touched on this thought when he said, “Success is not final…failure is not fatal…it’s the courage to continue that counts.”
Life is a series of ups and downs, but the peaks and the valleys seldom last. So don’t be too discouraged by the low points nor too emboldened by the high points in life. Remind yourself and others of the transitory nature of life. Try to achieve a balanced perspective on life.
Don, thank you for sharing that (hard-earned) insight. Thank you for your vulnerability. In those “lows”, when every breath – in and out – is so painful, and you think that circumstances will utterly sink you, it is so important to be reminded by friends that things DO change and the WILL change. “You won’t always feel this bad.” “The pain will soften.” “Let me lend you my courage right now.” “Just keep doing the next right thing.” These are all such helpful things to hear from others when you are in the dark night of the soul. Thank you for your beautiful heart and your authenticity. Such a good reminder to us today. God bless.
Shauna, thanks for affirming words. I love your phrases, Just keep doing the next right thing. You won’t always feel this bad., Etc. You have survived the depths of trauma and pain so God uses you to minister to others who are going through difficult times. Take care, Don.
Great advice!
G Reames
Thanks, Gail, for responding. Don
I can relate. I climbed the ladder very fast, early 30’s but began to experience performance anxiety and stress. Forced me to return to the Lord for reassurance that my future was in His hands. Spent more time with older Christian men in our Bible study who shared valuable wisdom. Tough times are often necessary for us to return to our faith. Hard lesson for young people thinking they have it under control. Gods time is always right.
Ken, thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m glad you had some older men to help you navigate difficult times. I should have reached out to others, but I tried to get through on my own. Take care, Don.
I understand what you went through and understand
I have been expressing depression and have been on medication for the past 9 years.
Karen, I’m saddened to hear that you struggle with depression. Every member of my immediate family struggle with it, so I know it well. I’m glad you’re on medications; that’s the right thing to do. My wife Mary has been on medication for the last 35 years; she couldn’t do without it. Take care and keep taking the next step. Don
Thanks Don! That simple attitude can surely make us all wiser and calmer people, if we could just accept that reality in our minds. It is truly needed in our culture today!
Thanks, Bill, for taking the time to respond. Realizing that the trajectory of life includes ups and downs gives us peace.
Thanks for being my friend.
don