Commitment

Nous promettons selon nos espérances, et nous tenons selon nos craintes – we promise according to our hopes, and we deliver according to our fears – recites an adage by Francis, Duke of la Rochefoucauld.

A lighthouse is a promise kept: it exists in the space between fear and hope – pledging safety and providing a marker of destination amidst fog, darkness, and stormy seas. At the same time, to fulfill its promise and reach harbor lights, sailors must do more than signal their intent and commit to a course of action.  

Most of us will find ourselves at some point in need to a similar promise of light within darkness.

Can we remain focused on our future potential, instead of on our current trials? Can we keep our promise to ourselves that our lives will continue to retain meaning, no matter what we are facing? Can we act according to our hopes – not our fears – with the certainty that an outer (or inner) light will illuminate our path?