Where will complaining get you?

Human life is full of trouble, which doesn't come from the dust nor does it sprout from the ground. Man is born to trouble. Compare your list of troubles with one famous man's:

1. He had a difficult childhood
2. Less than one year of formal schooling
3. Failed in business at age 31
4. Defeated for legislature at 32
5. Failed again in business at age 33
6. Elected to the legislature at 34
7. His fiancé died when he was 35
8. Defeated for speaker at 38
9. Defeated for electorate at 40
10. At 42 married a woman who became a burden, not a help
11. Only one of four sons lived past age 18
12. Defeated for congress at 43
13. Elected to congress at 46
14. Defeated for congress at 48
15. Defeated for senate at 55
16. Defeated for vice president at 56
17. Defeated for senate at 58
18. Finally elected president.

He was Abraham Lincoln, of course. When I look at his setbacks, I wonder if I've ever had a problem. I learned that it isn't troubles that make great people, but their response to troubles.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th Pres. of the United States

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."

- Elisabeth Elliot