There have been countless quotes regarding character, but one common thread among them all is the interaction of character in the contrast of success or failure. I believe:
“Character is formed and forged in times of trial and tested in times of success.”
Fine wine can be extracted only when the contents of the grape is released by pressure. When squeezed, the grape releases only the contents that have been stored there, not milk or honey, but the sweet juice that will become wine.
When we look to the great figures of history, we often look at the actions of difficult moments without a full understanding of the countless hours and multitude decisions that put into their essence the subtle qualities of character that equipped them for the moment of pressure for which we now remember and revere them.
All of us have the choice of what to allow to permeate our soul, how we will choose to interpret and receive the external input of our world and our circumstances. Regardless of privilege or poverty, comfort or calamity, we must choose our response.
Jena is a university student with a dream to become the first female prime minster of her country. Her goal was forged, and her course set at a young age when her sister was sold into prostitution and she was the subject of repeated attempted rape. The people of her village believe it inevitable that they follow the unthinkable course of slavery. Rather than capitulating to this horrific mold or becoming bitter toward her oppressors or the futility of life, Jena responded by making a choice. The choice to leave her family, her village and everything she knew and trust that she was a more valuable creation.
The most basic level of thinking ahead, is choosing and planning the type of character that we wish to exhibit, then tenaciously holding to that ideal no matter what storm of circumstance breaks against our vision. The best time to make any decision, is before the chaos of circumstance and pressure. It is the quiet moments of reflection and understanding when he have time to think about what we value and why we value it.