DiscernmentНамуна

Lasting Fulfillment

When my father passed away at the ripe old age of 89 years, his bank account showed a meagre balance, his modest apartment was no sign of great wealth and his personal possessions were mostly religious and self-help books and biographies of noble men, besides the Bible. Perhaps he did not represent a figure of success by worldly standards. Yet, he was a success going by the verse given above.

Though he worked hard all his life, it was not money or power that he chased. Rather he pursued his passion to live his life to the fullest. He raised his family with love and treated all with respect and warmth. Self-disciplined and self-driven, he lived in simplicity, keeping his eyes on the Gospel values. Having thus lived a rich life, he died in grace and dignity. I am sure when he reached the gates of heaven, God welcomed him for the success he had made of his life.

The world defines success by the things that pass away, but true success is made up of those that are of a permanent nature. Success cannot be measured by external possessions but by internal values. In the end, to have lived a rich life rather than to have chased riches in life is real success.

But how do we chase this kind of success in a materialistic world? Simply by focusing on what will bring us lasting happiness and not on fleeting pleasures. Albert Schweitzer’s words are relevant here: ‘Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success’.

Discernment in chasing success is neither complicated nor is the treasured secret of a few. All it takes is a bit of discipline, courage, wisdom, grace, piety and the will to be steadfast in values, daily practice, no matter how alluring the material world is.

Effective managers are those who understand the significance of true success. To them, success is not in their position or power. Striving for the welfare of their employees and customers, they work with integrity and stand for justice, all of which eventually make them successful.

Lord, grant me the grace to chase after those things that will bring me lasting fulfillment. Amen