With One Step

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” This ancient proverb applies to every side of life, to every decision, to our whole course of conduct and commitment: our choice of a profession or pursuit, our choice in making a marriage; to standards, thought, habit, and to every attitude and action.

This emphasizes the constant need for thoughtfulness in all things⎯for a respectful, prayerful approach to all problems. It reminds us also that there is no safety or assurance in a hasty, stubborn, shortsighted decision. Despite the tendency nowadays to ignore or deny timeless standards and eternal truths, we live always with causes and consequences, and no amount of rationalizing can ever set them aside.

All experience in the past, and the happiness and heartaches of people living in the present, suggest the wisdom of a firm determination not to go one step on any wrong road. As to what should not be done, to youth and all the rest of us the warning voice within us says: Don’t do it⎯don’t even entertain the idea. To have the courage and conviction to say “No” is a great source of safety.

Life is forever before us, the commandments are always in force, and causes always lead to consequences. And we ought simply to decide what we should and shouldn’t do, where we should and shouldn’t go, and not flirt with the questionable or unwholesome side of any situation.

Every step indicates a direction, and one step leads to the next unless there is some change⎯some reconsideration, some real repentance. But the safest course is not to need it. The next best is, when we need it, not to postpone repentance.

To realize the highest happiness, the peace and progress that a loving Father can give, we must remember that the journey of a thousand miles or years⎯indeed, of all eternity⎯begins with one step.