Inspiration from the past

Filed in Thoughts on June 26, 2009



The email I have received today has not been pretty.  It turns out that people do not like me writing about poliltics like I did yesterday about Obama's health plans.  But I do not always like writing about music and am on a little vacation anyway.  And besides those excuses, my music is shaped in part by my beliefs.  But I guess I will stay away from politics for a while.

I spent several hours this week in the National Museum of American History.  I have been there many times and it is easily my favorite place in Washington DC.  I like it because they make a special effort there to tell a balanced story about history--the ups and downs, the good and evil, the strengths and the weaknesses.  It is encouraging to hear about the warts in the people that played a big role in our history because it means I can make a difference even with my warts.

I was especially fascinated with the exhibit on Abraham Lincoln, who was a man who accomplished great things even though he had obvious flaws.  One thing in particular stood out to me--the depression that Lincoln suffered during the war when it seemed that nothing could go right.  Sadly, the war and the death of his son led him to admit shortly before he died that he was a miserable man.

Very often, I get discouraged too.  I am always wanting things to happen faster than they do.  But success is determined by how we handle failure.  We simply must avoid the temptation to throw in the towel.  Eventually, Lincoln's persistence paid off.  It will eventually pay off for you and me as well.



Will you do me a personal favor?
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