In Life’s small things be resolute and great
To keep thy muscles trained; know’st thou when fate
Thy measure takes? or when she’ll say to thee,
“I find thee worthy, do this thing for me!”
—Emerson.
To hold one’s self in readiness for opportunity, to keep the serene, confident, hopeful, and joyful energy of mind, is to magnetize it, and draw privileges and power toward one. The concern is not whether opportunity will present itself, but as to whether we will be ready for the opportunity. It comes not to doubt and denial and disbelief. It comes to sunny expectation, eager purpose, and to noble and generous aspiration.
—Lilian Whiting.
Let not soft slumber close your eyes,
Before you’ve recollected thrice
The train of action through the day.