To Choose One's Way

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:12-18 ESV). Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's way.” Perhaps the name Frankl doesn’t mean anything to you, and therefore the opening quote doesn’t quite seem as powerful as it ought. In September of 1942, a young doctor, his new bride, his mother, father, and brother, were arrested in Vienna and taken to a concentration camp in Bohemia. It was events that occurred there and at three other camps that led the young doctor, prisoner #119,104, to realize the significance of meaningfulness in life. One of the earliest events to drive home the point was the loss of a manuscript, his life's work, during his transfer to Auschwitz. He had sewn it into the lining of his coat, but was forced to discard it at the last minute. He spent many later nights trying to reconstruct it, first in his mind, then on slips of stolen paper. Another significant moment came while on a predawn march to work on laying railroad tracks: Another prisoner wondered aloud about the fate of their wives. The young doctor began to think about his own wife, and realized that she was present within him. And throughout his ordeal, he could not help but see that, among those given a chance for survival, it was those who held on to a vision of the future, whether it be a significant task before them, or a return to their loved ones, that were most likely to survive their suffering. It would be, in fact, the meaningfulness that could be found in suffering itself that would most impress him. That young doctor was, of course, Viktor Emil Frankl. Attitude! The strength of character to choose one’s own way! These are the ingredients to happiness and joy. Peace of mind does not come from our circumstances or environment. Joy, peace, and happiness come from our choice of reaction to these stimuli. Life simply is not often “fair.” However, God is always faithful and true to his promises. So, choose to be happy and rejoice!