“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” –William Arthur Ward
Luke found and shared the above quote, and it made me think about flexibility. The idea of "adjusting the sails" seems simple and yet profound. The realist in the quote is not dictated by the wind any more than he has to be--he is not relying on it to determine whether or not he will stay on course. He will do all that he can that is in his power and take it from there. He makes a determined and wise action based on the current circumstances and that is all. He is not making a move based on what he think is to come or making up for what was in the past; he remains in the current situation and acts accordingly.
He must be flexible...willing to let go of the things he cannot control, accepting the way the wind moves and then pulling the sail in or letting it out without moaning and without waiting to be acted upon.
It has been a reminder to me to take what comes our way in stride, adjusting our sails and remaining focused on what needs to be done in the present moment. Stay the course: doing what you can and giving to God what you cannot control.
