Yeah…that’s a load of nonsense.

This world has a culture – especially in America – that says “Whatever you have to do to be the best…do it! The ends justify the means, lie cheat steal – whatever. So long as you come out on top, do what you have to do!”

What a sad way to live a life. Listen, we all have similar thoughts from time to time, because we grew up in that environment. And there’s nothing wrong with saying “I’m going to work to get straight-A’s.” But what we miss is the idea that there’s also nothing wrong with saying: “…and if I don’t, that’s okay.”

This whole “there is no try” nonsense that Yoda spouts is Hindu-inspired garbage. It’s based on the concept of destiny: If you are supposed to do it, you will. If you are not, you won’t. Balderdash.

The reality is: You try, and either you succeed or you don’t. And if at first you don’t succeed, you try-try again. And if you try again and you don’t succeed, and you try again and again and you are never able to succeed, maybe the reason is because you can’t do it. So what? You’re not perfect. You’re not omnipotent. Fact is: There are some things you can’t do.

We need to stop making our children afraid of the word “can’t.” We need to stop telling them that they have to be the best at everything. We’re creating in them the idea that if they try and fail that somehow they are failures. Instead, we need to teach our children another word: Contentment.

Try to do something; try to do it the right way (without cheating or cutting corners), and if you can’t, that’s okay. Thank God for peace and contentment.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11