When you talk about
heaven your face lights up. When you
talk about hell, your everyday face will do.”
He was a young man but
with the discipline of a much older man, and as he knelt before his
master sensei in the ceremony to receive his coveted Black Belt he was
asked, “What is the meaning of the Black Belt?
The student paused and then replied, “It is the end of my journey and a well-deserved reward for all my years of diligent efforts.”
A look of distress passed over the face of master sensei. “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Come back in one year.”
365 days later, the student knelt again before his teacher and in answer to the same question as to the meaning of the Black Belt replied, “It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art.”
Once again, he was rejected and told to return in yet another year.
The student was weary but persistent. 52 weeks later he knelt again before his master teacher and again was asked the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
Unsure, but having thought and diligently prayed for understanding, he replied, “The Black Belt represents not the end but the beginning, the start of a never ending journey of discipline of work and the pursuit of an ever higher standard.”
The smile of approval on his teacher’s countenance was all the answer he required. He had learned the secret that a second mile is only a beginning and not an end.
What I have been trying to say was well said by a piece of ancient wisdom from India. “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Now live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”
That is what the secret of the second mile achieves. A life more wonderful than wasted. A life more humble than hateful. A life that heard Christ speak and answered with actions.
“Whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”. OR CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING URL
The student paused and then replied, “It is the end of my journey and a well-deserved reward for all my years of diligent efforts.”
A look of distress passed over the face of master sensei. “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Come back in one year.”
365 days later, the student knelt again before his teacher and in answer to the same question as to the meaning of the Black Belt replied, “It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art.”
Once again, he was rejected and told to return in yet another year.
The student was weary but persistent. 52 weeks later he knelt again before his master teacher and again was asked the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
Unsure, but having thought and diligently prayed for understanding, he replied, “The Black Belt represents not the end but the beginning, the start of a never ending journey of discipline of work and the pursuit of an ever higher standard.”
The smile of approval on his teacher’s countenance was all the answer he required. He had learned the secret that a second mile is only a beginning and not an end.
What I have been trying to say was well said by a piece of ancient wisdom from India. “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Now live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”
That is what the secret of the second mile achieves. A life more wonderful than wasted. A life more humble than hateful. A life that heard Christ speak and answered with actions.
“Whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”. OR CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING URL
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
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