FOUR FOUNDATION SUCCESS SYSTEM
Four is a great number! Why not three? Look at the original ATV (all-terrain vehicle); it had three wheels. Didn’t work – would cause far too many injuries due to rollovers. Then look at chairs; they needed four legs to support the seat, rails, and people.
Therefore, to me, Four Foundations seemed logical to implement in several vital areas of my life. During the past 21 years, I then developed the Four Foundation Success System. This system is characterized by living above the line, not below; controlling what can be controlled; having a spiritual direction. Dealing with cancer most of these years, I feel this system wins with my mind and heart choices.
This system’s characteristics are the mainstay of the four foundations for success. What are these four foundations?
- FOUNDATION ONE: Love God with all my mind, heart, and soul; and love people with a kind, compassionate heart.
- FOUNDATION TWO: Delight in silence; find His secret place where I can rest and experience sacred silence.
- FOUNDATION THREE: See the gold/silver thread of Jesus’ love, grace, and mercy in every living person and all of creation.
- FOUNDATION FOUR: Embrace detachment; let go of all earthly possessions.
In today’s world, there appears to be very little good news. Pain is real, but hope is too. We can look up! God is patient, waiting for us to come to Him. Once we come and give Him more of our love, He will give more of Himself to us. This is my home base.
I close with a meaningful quote by St. Ignatius I often say to myself through the day and in the watches of the night:
“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours; do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace. That is enough for me.”
With this, I can face today with HOPE and resolve to make it a great day.
