Retreat

It has often happened that armies that have retreated have later come back to redeem the day. This pattern has its parallel in life. Often events don’t move “according to plan”at least not according to our plans. And we have to retreat. There are times when all of us find ourselves faced with circumstances and situations that we never would have chosen. And we are often greatly disappointed. But we can be sure that we aren’t the only ones who have to retreat, that we aren’t the only ones who have upsets and adversities. We sometimes see peoples who seem gay and glamorous and successful, and who apparently have had no real difficulties or disappointments. We see the brave front, the smooth surface. But everyone has his battle scars inside, even if they aren’t outwardly apparent. No man escapes. And no matter how little we know of the trials and troubles of others, let no one of us ever assume that he is the only one who has known heaviness of heart or who has had his days of disappointment and deep despondency. We just don’t get in and out of this world without our share of difficulties and disappointments. But the fact that life doesn’t always move according to our plans, the fact that we have to retreat, doesn’t mean that we can’t gather our forces again. If old plans have had to be pushed aside, we must make new ones. That’s the way life is lived by more people than we shall ever know. Retreat may be necessary, but it need not be final. And to those who have learned this lesson, retreat is what one does when he has to just before he begins again.