Redefining Success

We are the champions, my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting ’til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions
Of the world

I could never identify with Freddie Mercury. In his world the world is divided into winners and losers. Winners are good; losers are bad. Ambition demands that I win despite – perhaps at the expense of – losers…

Success? I must be a champion, a winner,   

Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
‘Till you find your dream

As a young man – and since – I could identify more with Maria in the ‘Sound of Music’. She had opportunities… with work, in love, in family life, in vocation. I didn’t have a specific dream, but difficulties could be embraced and worked through, problems were a challenge to be overcome… She – and I – would come through with determination and cheerfulness.

Success? Climbing mountains with enjoyment.

Yesterday I included: ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…’ A good friend wrote to me saying that was his ‘go to’ verse. Isaiah’s talking about persisting with youthful energy – being strong, running, keeping going, activity…

Success? Soaring like eagles.

I’m reading the Biblical Joshua’s story. He’s been a slave in Egypt, lived in the desert for 40 years, he’s leading Israel to their ‘Promised Land’… crossing Jordan, winning battles… he’s known success…

‘When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him. ‘You are old and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.’ (Joshua 13:1) He has a bucket list!

Success? Keeping going – winning more battles!

This has been one of my ‘go to’ verses: ‘I have learnt the secret of being content in any and every situation…’

Success? Contentment!

Musing… My yesterday included walking on the beach, singing for health, chatting with friends, eating with family, gardening, cycling, reading, watching ‘Death in Paradise’…

I’m content… so perhaps successful!