How To Be Mature
I have an old book that comes to mind every so often. I don't know how I came by it, but when it comes to mind, I know there will be a few words contained in there that will either sharpen my mind, open my mind, or fill my mind with a much needed truth.
Tonight, I landed on a page that I felt many of us could take in and appreciate. Its title is "How to Be Mature", and it was written by Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel.
It begins with the author quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson: "When it is dark enough, men see the stars."
Then, Schachtel proceeds:
Emerson's words are echoed by an old Oriental proverb, which goes like this: "All sunshine makes a desert."
What these sayings express is not an excuse, not a covering up, for tragic side of life. Rather, I think they speak the truth and give us strength. I think that they go deep into the understanding of the real nature of our lives.
Mature people are made not out of good times but out of bad times. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. It is in a crisis that the best in us comes to the fore. This very age in which we live, which is so turbulent, so confusing , so uncertain is an anvil upon which God can remake us for the good, for the better.
It is in the encircling gloom that we come to realize the importance of being led by the kindly light of the Eternal One. As Emerson says, it is in the night that we can see the stars which are invisible by day.
What I am asking for is mature outlook, reasonable expectations, a calm and steadfast mind and the patience with which to meet whatever comes with courage and faith in God, instead of with bitterness and resentment.
Present Valley
Your library must be incredible! You have the most interesting books at your fingertips.
I totally agree with you. We have the opportunity to gain strength and become better humans from the hard times and tragedies. They inform and influence our maturation.
Thank you for the reference to Dr. Schachtel. I had no idea he wrote the quote, "Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." I've seen that quote lots of times, however, never referencing him as writing it.
Slipstream
We have to pay attention to what we need and take care of ourselves. Bitterness and resentment will make us useless. Faith and courage are what we should have for breakfast, resilience and patience for lunch, and for dinner/supper, peace and gratitude. That spiritual nutrition will help us survive and thrive. Thanks for your wise words of encouragement.
Evangel
Thank you for posting Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel's essay on maturity. I don't know when he wrote it, or what turbulence infused that era, but it sounds like it was as unsettling as life feels today.
What a wonder it would be for me to have a calm mind permanently, though steadfast it is. Often, when I start to grumble about things, I hear my inner voice quietly retort: "be patient." It helps, but sometimes I feel like my mind is a full orchestra constantly tuning its instruments, following the conductor, performing day and night, always listening, and never ceasing. If I've matured over the years, it hasn't been in patience so much, but more in stretching my capacity to accept the challenging continuum of my unusual life and embracing my limits more gracefully.