developing virtues

this month’s running times featured an article about runner jenny barringer simpson.  in the article simpson mentioned the quote above which was from cs lewis’s screwtape letters.  since reading the quote, i have been pondering its meaning and what it means in my life.

first, i considered the word ‘virtue.’   what is a virtue?  what are ‘the virtues’?  i know that ‘patience is a virtue’ however, i’m not sure i could tell you any others beyond patience.  a quick wikipedia search taught me that there are seven virtues, one to correspond with each of the seven deadly sins.

the seven virtues are as follows, along with their corresponding sin:  chastity (lust), temperance (gluttony), charity (greed), diligence (sloth), patience (wrath), kindness (envy), and humility (pride).

as i thought through each of the virtues, i realized that virtues are not bought or inherited.   each of virtues must be earned.  patience is developed by being tested; it is the forbearance and endurance through moderation.  diligence is the careful nature of one’s actions/work and the capability of not giving up.  by definition, these virtues require time and challenges to develop.  they are developed through trial and perseverance through ‘testing points’.

we are defined and refined by our testing points.  strength untested is not strength.

we do not become marathoners by standing on a starting line then being magically transported to the finish line.  rather marathoners earn their titles by the months of training and every step they run of the 26.2 mile trek to the end.  calling me a marathoner if i had never ran a marathon would be a pointless accolade.  it would be shameful, like wearing a race tshirt of a race i had not ran.

this week i have felt demoralized.  i have experienced a particularly challenging and tiring week.  during such weeks, it is easy for me to question why life must be so difficult sometimes and why i must continue to seek out challenges for myself.  maybe i could have chosen a more simple path in life or a less challenging lifestyle.  i question the road that i have chosen for myself.

these doubts, and we all have them at certain times, mark a ‘testing point.’  they signal a decision point where i can choose to give up or to persevere.  if i choose to press on, i refine and reinforce the virtues in my life.

this week when i read the above quote, i was reminded that life’s ugly challenges are the very things that create the virtuous and beautiful qualities in life.

i should welcome and embrace challenges.  i should wish for the courage to face the very testing points of life that lead to the development of the coveted virtues.