But now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have» (2 Corinthians 8:11)
VIKTOR FRANKL, the creator of logotherapy, states in one of his books that we can discover the meaning of life based on three conditions: (l) by taking advantage of God’s gifts; (2) by taking action; and (3) through suffering.
Yesterday we talked about the first aspect: receiving God’s gifts and putting them to use. Today, I invite you to reflect on the second condition to finding the meaning of life: taking action. Taking action may be the most complicated step when we are faced with various difficulties. However, m doing so, we begin a process of permanent improvement which opens doors to a myriad of possibilities.
Action and movement may seem simple, however, when faced with great obstacles, many of us become petrified and completely paralyzed. For us to do something in these circumstances, we need to exercise our will and make a conscious effort. In addition to this we must look up to God in faith.
Decades ago, women were mere spectators of what was happening in the world. Today, however, life has led us to prominence (perhaps unwanted for many). Some such as mothers and wives experience it from the trenches of their homes, others from their workplace or at the forefront of a business or a great enterprise.
If you are a housewife and mother, you should know that you don’t just make beds and cook food; for in the upbringing of your children, you are laying the foundations that will define the destiny of society, which is in crisis today. If you work outside of your home, you also have a challenge that will only be overcome if you take decisive action.
The obstacle that most often prevents us from taking action is fear. We are afraid of the unknown because it entails changes, adjustments, learning, and effort… and that means moving out of our comfort zone.
God, who is willing to take the lead to help dissipate your fears, will make you understand that it’s out of that fear that emerges the courage to achieve excellence. Trying to do things on your own without God’s direction is arrogance, but holding on to the Lord’s hand and following His directions with humility is the path to success. So my dear friend, let’s get to work!