DISCIPLINE MONTH: DAY 8: “Humankind’s amazing grace is the ability to choose right from wrong and assume personal responsibility for our conduct. With the judicious exercise of composure and appliance of self-discipline, we exceed our humble origins and blossom into a final rendering of whatever type of person we aspire to become.” ― Kilroy J. Oldster
This quote gets me! The first sentence is so uplifting and positive, it makes my heart happy. Believing that amazing grace is the ability to choose right from wrong and assume personal responsibility is to give a name and face to what we get here in recovery! In such a simple phrase, and set in such a positive tone, like we are all going to accept that responsibility and do what is right. Such optimism moves me incredibly!
There is nothing but an optimism and strong faith in humanity in this quote. I am seldom ever able to feel this kind of uplifting belief in the greatness of our walk on this planet.
To believe that we are not only gifted with this, but that we can and will utilize it is so sweet a sentiment and so powerful a statement of faith that I love it more every time I read it!
I never encountered this quote before. It makes me tear up and want to cry with the sentiment it arouses in my heart. Beautiful!
I hope it moves me in the direction of becoming more and more this kind of person. I long to be that in love with the human spirit. I am not, of my own volition, that in love with people. I want to be, because we are all God’s kids and I know it.
My husband was in love with the human race. He never met anyone he didn’t love instantly. And they, him. It was wonderful to witness. I am not that person. I tend toward cynicism and what I call “realistic ideals,” although that, too, is mostly cynicism.
I belief in the capabilities of all of us, but not our inherent use of the skills we are “graced” with. Perhaps this comes from working with addicts for so many years of my life. The actual application of spiritual principles in that population is incredibly low and sometimes depleting of my energy and beliefs in the inherent goodness we all have.
Somehow this quote seems to lift me back into the state of hopefulness and optimism I like to dwell in. Sometimes I see that I have become more resigned to there being so few who do apply “judicious composure and appliance of self-discipline.”
That has led me at many times to discouragement and resignation. I am glad to feel myself being pulled back into the “sunlight of the Spirit.” It is a much better place to dwell…amazing grace indeed!
Dolphin Hug 