"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?"
Mark 8:36-37 (ESV)"The soul that walks in love neither tires others nor grows tired itself. Its journey is measured not by distance but by desire -- and the desire of love, once kindled, burns without consuming the one who carries it."
-- John of the Cross, *The Sayings of Light and Love*
"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people. The classical Disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm."
-- Richard Foster, *Celebration of Discipline*
"The glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God. For if the manifestation of God which is made by means of the creation affords life to all living in the earth, much more does that revelation of the Father which comes through the Word give life to those who see God."
-- Irenaeus of Lyons, *Against Heresies*, Book IV, Chapter 20 (c. 180 AD)
"If you are here faithfully, you may reasonably believe that God has called you to a state of life in which you avoid all the great temptations of the world. But do not flatter yourself that this is enough. The great question is not what you avoid but what you do. The daily, hourly dying to your own will, your own reason, your own wisdom, your own judgment -- that is the Christianity that will cost you something."
-- William Law, *A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life*
If comparison is the thief of joy, and competition is the engine of your work -- what is it actually costing your soul?
"Thus the man who has been trained to avoid pleasures that are common and generally considered enjoyable will not be corrupted by pleasures that are rare and dangerous. But the man who has not been so trained will have little protection against any pleasure that comes his way."
-- Musonius Rufus, *Lectures*, Fragment 8: "On Training"
St. Clair, MI:: Sunny, 50°F. Humidity: 87%. Wind: ↗ 5 mph.