Focusing beyond the horizon...

"Cowardice asks the question- is it safe; expediency asks the question- is it politic; and, vanity comes along and asks the question- is it popular.  But, conscience asks the question- is it right.  And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right."

This is my new favorite quote by Martin Luther King.  When I first heard it, it immediately reminded me of my own life.  I always let cowardice ask 'is it safe' about everything I do.  I live my life from a cramped space of fear, only venturing far enough out to peek around and then pull my head quickly back in.  I only say what people want to hear because it's not safe to speak my mind.  I only stick to what I know.  I have dreams, but I tell myself they cannot come true because they are not realistic. 

In the amazing State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama said something I will never forget: "I'm not sure how we'll reach that better place beyond the horizon, but I know we'll get there."  We focus too much on planning every little detail of life.  It's hard not to.  But Obama's comments showed me the way to focus on what's important, the forest above all the trees.  Focus on the end result and you will get there.  It's when you focus on the how that cowardice, expediency, and vanity sneak in with their judgment.  I don't want to live my life in a place that's safe, logical, or well-liked.  The most important place is where I want to be.  If I focus on that and that only, the rest will fall into place.

Father Lopez; Mission of Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine, Florida