I love this quote by Michelangelo: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” It seems so true when we look at what many people seem to want or desire in their lives, don't you think? I was pondering this idea on my drive in to work this morning, thinking of what does "contentment" really mean and why so many choose to live in fear rather than truly living their lives to the fullest.
This was on my mind in looking, as well, at how very different the perspectives can be between people who grew up together, in the same house and with the same parents. How is it that one will love the adventure of life, be curious about the world, and be willing to travel to distant lands on her/his own? Another sibling is frightened of going new places and the idea of going on his/her own (without a companion) is a terrifying enough thought that this person will choose to stay in one place. It is not that s/he is truly happy about the life s/he is living, but rather will allow fear to dominate his/her life to the extent that staying stuck and supposedly being "content" is the choice made. It seems such a tragedy, somehow. If being "content" means allowing myself to be stuck in an unhappy situation because I lack the courage to change it, then I pray that I always remember Michelangelo's quote and always remember to set my aims high.
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