Courage
A few weeks ago we had a retired priest say Sunday mass. This gentleman was 95 years old and had been a priest for more than 60 years. He seemed to be in perfect health and we thoroughly enjoyed his zest for life.
Following mass I always try to say hello to our priest or whoever is visiting. When I shook his hand he said to me “thank you for your courage”. It has never occurred to me that I am courageous in any way, but it made me think. What does it take to be courageous?
The definition of courage is:
mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
There are so many levels of courage that we all face everyday. The life of a first responder, not knowing whether he or she will make it home that day. The single mom, wondering if she will be able to feed her children. The fear of the first day of school for so many kids. All of us that are fighting an illness, mental or physical, hoping that we will not be humbled or humiliated by it.
Regardless of the daily outcome that today may bring, the courageous will get up and show up in hopes that one more day will be better than the last.
Life is messy, and we dig down deep to discover our own courage that keeps us going as we face each and everyday.
Debra Pundt
So well said! You are the most courageous person that I know! I am not sure how you manage every day but you always have such a good outlook and have continued faith in tomorrow that things will be better.