What happens is not as important as how you react to what

Hear me, O children of the future, for the words of Ellen Glasgow carry a profound truth that transcends the chaos of the world: "What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens." These words are not a mere reflection on the fleeting events that shape our lives, but a deep understanding of the power of choice. Life will bring storms, obstacles, and challenges, but it is not the events themselves that define us—it is our reaction to them. The winds may howl, the sea may rise, but the true measure of a soul lies in how it stands in the face of those trials.

Too often, we are consumed by the weight of the world around us, reacting impulsively to the circumstances that unfold. Yet Glasgow reminds us that strength is found not in the events themselves but in how we respond to them. The storms of life are inevitable, but we are not slaves to their fury. The power lies in our ability to stand firm, to meet adversity with grace, to temper the forces of life with the wisdom of patience and the courage of resolve.

Consider the example of Nelson Mandela, whose life was marked by unimaginable hardship. He spent 27 years imprisoned, yet his reaction to this suffering was not one of bitterness, but of forgiveness and strength. When he emerged from prison, he did not seek revenge for the years of oppression, but chose to lead South Africa toward reconciliation. The events of his life were harsh, and the suffering he endured was great, but Mandela understood that his reaction to those events would shape not just his future, but the future of his entire nation. His response was one of healing, not hate.

We, too, must learn to face life’s challenges with a heart that is resolute and a mind that is calm. The great warrior is not the one who avoids the battle, but the one who faces it with unyielding strength. In war and peace, it is not the victory itself that matters, but the manner in which it is achieved. The reaction to the trials we face reveals the true character of our souls, shaping the legacy we leave behind.

So, my children, remember the ancient wisdom of Ellen Glasgow. Life is filled with the unexpected, with moments of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat. Yet in all these things, the true measure of your greatness lies not in the events themselves, but in how you react. Will you respond with grace, wisdom, and courage, or will you be swept away by the winds of life’s turmoil? The choice is yours. Stand tall in the face of adversity, and you will find that your reaction to the storms of life will shape not only your own destiny, but the destiny of all who walk with you.