Make the Most of What You Have
“The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude”
By André van Heerden, Communications Director
Famous author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote that “life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.”
This idea may run contrary to the hot button topic of equity, but I think it speaks more about how to achieve happiness and contentment and peace—rather than material success—as the world may measure it.
I recently went on a vision-care mission to Arequipa, Peru, with Medical Ministry International. While there we helped over a thousand people who couldn’t afford glasses and eye care. Two things struck me about the local people there that I think are connected.
One, how friendly, helpful, and content the people generally were, and two, how resourceful they were. Despite not having very much, and living in challenging circumstances, the people at the clinic—young and old, male and female, patients or helpers—were universally kind, patient, and generous.
Even after waiting for hours, and facing disappointments and dealing with physical disabilities, the people continued to smile, be thankful, and wish others well. Even when a wall-sized pane of glass suddenly shattered and caused big delays for dozens of people in a rush, the workers stayed calm, helped out, and just carried on as if this was all expected and planned for.
This pleasant and endearing attitude may have stemmed from many things, but one may have been how the locals worked with what they had to help others and themselves. There wasn’t a sense of entitlement or that anyone owed them anything. Anything that they had, they worked for.
Some would dress up in various costumes (cartoon characters, Indigenous dress, condor suits). Some would offer tours. Others would do translating. Some would sell handmade goods, and some even sold their spots in long line-ups.
The people weren’t looking for handouts, they were looking for ways to serve others and help themselves.
I still remember years ago when I first encountered inspirational speaker Nick Vujicic. He was born without arms or legs and is genuinely one of the most joyful people I’ve ever met or heard.
He was funny, self-deprecating, and remarkable because despite having every opportunity and reason to complain and let others do things for him, he did the exact opposite. He relied on his unshakable faith in God and that he was born different than others so that he could reach others with a unique and needed message.
Author and pastor Chuck Swindoll writes, "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.
“The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past; we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
“The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.”
As I look ahead at the new year, I want to focus my efforts and work on being resourceful with what I have, and not worrying about what I don’t. The most impactful motivation isn’t found in those who find joy and opportunity in having a lot, but in those who find joy and opportunity in having little.