At a recent Quaker gathering, I was reminded of a saying attributed to Mother Teresa: "We are not called to be successful. We are called to be faithful." When success appears to elude us, even to have eluded us for years, to the point of darkening hope and joy, it seems wise to examine our personal definition of success.
What is success to me - in life, and in this day? Do I think that I have not succeeded in life, even in this one day of life, unless I have accomplished specific tasks or received some kind of recognition? If I often fail, this day and in my life's trajectory, is that just a cycle of judgment, even self-righteousness? ("See how tough I am on myself!")
When we miss the mark, do we tend to give up - or do we learn and grow?
Is it not enough to choose our daily or hourly goals, our moment-to-moment attitude, and our actions - including self care - consciously and in the greatest service of our values and priorities that is given to us to perceive?
Is it not enough to do the best we can see to do?
For those who believe there is a holy Spirit within, does that Spirit require of us more than the best we can see to do? If not, how can the best we can see to do not be good enough for us to find peace at the end of our day, our year, or our life?
For those who experience being called by a holy Spirit within ourselves to serve Life - humanity, one's family, neighbors or nation, or ecosystems and other living things - as best we can see to do each day, discouragement will come. But that calling, that agency, that mission, can inoculate us from loss of hope. It can even infuse us with energy, even joy, to pursue the best we can see to do.
