I Don't Believe in Chance

Last night I was browsing through our bookshelf and "happened" upon Interior Silence: Elder Michael, The Last Great Mystic of Valaam. My wife bought it before we were married, and by God's providence I had never seen it. . .before last night. I thumbed through it and even read some passages aloud to Macrina. It was obvious from reading just a little bit that Elder Michael was a very holy and wise man. He died in 1962. This morning I opened the book again to a section called "Brief Instructions". This is what I read:

Endure, and endure everything--all sorrows, all heaviness of labor, reproaches, slander, but most of all, fear depression. This is the most weighty sin. (emphasis mine)

There are two paths. One, the path of self-reproach and humility. And two, the path of self-justification and despondency. The first is the true path of contrition of spirit and repentance, and it leads to salvation and humility. The second is a path of pride, self-justification. Then no one can help, not my prayers, nor heavenly angels, but only the mercy of the Lord, and if it wouldn't be for the Lord, this leads to perdition.

No matter what temptation or fall one is assailed with, one must get up, not be despondent, and begin again. Labor upon labor is necessary. Unseen warfare is needed. Only for manly warfare are crowns given. There must be a war, contrition with sincere repentance, and firm hope.

Arm yourself and wage war, and everything else will be given to you by the Lord.

I don't believe in chance.

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On an unrelated note (I'm tired of all this introspection. . .and you probably are too). Props to Karl for a concise, albeit slightly cynical, view of the post-election landscape in Who Really Benefits From the Upcoming Presidential Election?