Heraclitus wrote centuries ago the following:
“Character is destiny.”
In thinking about character, I remember these first words of George Washington’s eulogy written by Henry Lee as requested by Congress on Washington’s death (December 14, 1799).
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life: Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.”
Lee wrote not about what Washington accomplished, his deeds, but focused on this character. For many, me included, I believe Washington was our first and best president.
Wouldn’t be incredible if each of us was remembered for our character? The last several decades it appears that the words describing Washington have been lost and maybe some of this is due to social media as well as the changes within our culture.
Yet there is still hope to reaffirm our individual character as John Wooden said:
“Be more concerned with your character than you reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others thinks you are. “
Walking through the cemeteries of old we can sometimes read testimonies to the individual’s character such as “loving mother” or “loving father.” Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who love you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Care you name on hearts, not on marble.”
Yes, our character is a reflection of our attitudes as attitudes are habit of thought. (Zig Ziglar)
Possibly Ziglar came across this quote by Mark Twain?
“A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually used in conversation.”
Returning to Washington’s eulogy, I read these words of James Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh:
"The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap character. Sow a character and you reap destiny."
As we shortly enter another year, maybe it is time to look within ourselves, and sow our character to leave our destiny as Washington left us with his.
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com
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