Here at the Nagasaki Retreat, at our November Event we commemorated Remebrance Sunday, a solemn occasion which respects all those who have given their lives in service. The loss of so many noble souls is tragic, but the example they have left of courage and selflessness is astonishing; arguably, the best way for their sacrifice to matter is to be inspired by it.

It has been said that the worst thing that’s ever happened to you is the worst thing in the world – it’s a sensible argument, because it’s based on your own experience. But ceremonies like Remembrance shed light on challenges and hardships beyond what most of us can imagine, yet those whom we remember courageously chose to meet them – could we do the same?

This is an example of perspective, but it’s often difficult to achieve – it’s easy to become wrapped-up in the here-and-now of our lives, our immediate responsibilities and the demands upon us, to the extent that we may feel we have nothing left in reserve, that we are stretched as far as we could possibly be.

Kendo points out that this is not the case. He assures us that we have only seen how far we can go under the challenges we have already faced, but we should be confident of being able to go much further.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we should congratulate ourselves on what we have achieved, on successfully meeting our challenges, and use that positive assessment to build confidence in our futures, whatever they may hold.

To do this requires taking a moment away from our challenges, giving ourselves a few minutes of time to find that perspective, during which we can reflect upon what others with even greater challenges have still managed to do for their families and their communities.

As Kendo points out, those whom we remember will always be glorious, and profoundly inspiring.