Sometimes we wonder about the things that we can and cannot do. And how do we know what we can and cannot do? If everyone knew their limits and ability before trying to do something, then each one's life should be much easier and happier, and everyone could enjoy their life in the knowledge and wisdom of who they are and what they do. Some people know themselves well enough that they are able to discern between things that they are able and unable to do before proceeding. Some are not as knowledgeable as knowing themselves that they take risks without consideration of their ability. So some people are happy in success or some desperate in failure.
Many decades ago, when I taught at school, I realized that not all students had the same ability and talents to learn and to keep up with what they were taught even though they were in the same class with the same teacher studying the same subject. So we have to aware that everyone is different in their abilities and talents which affect the attainment of reaching at certain points or levels. However everyone and anyone can achieve and reach their own goal when they work hard with their best efforts. So we all have to be smart and wise to distinguish between possibility and impossibility depending on each one's own ability and talents.
Nowadays one of serious and possibly dangerous myths in our society is the blind belief in positive thinking and anything is possible. It may be a good idea. But modern people, especially young people, use this idea to justify the belief that they can do whatever they want to and get whatever they like. This conventional ideology which is not based on the reality of each one's differences, so often drives the people into the deep ditch of depression and despair when later they realize the limits and the boundary of their ability. This alluring and deceptive myth, a "Yes, You Can!" philosophy, has been rooted in post-modern human psychology and highly influenced by pseudo-evangelism, an attractive but false gospel. Who can do whatever they want to do? Nobody can! It is a deception!
A reason why the UC Chimes brings out this issue is that this myth easily leads the people, especially young people, into a serious physical, mental and spiritual damage and problem. It is the reality that not all those who participate in sports become professional athletes. Not everyone's dream becomes a realty. Not every kid grows up to be their ideal. Some might, but not all of them. This modern myth may cause some people to delude themselves or live in hallucination. So let's behave ourselves and teach others that if you can, then do it with the best efforts. But if you can't, let God do it. Then God will guide you into the best way of living in given circumstances. God does not create human beings to be God-like, omnipotent being who can do everything, but rather like children, who can depend on God absolutely all the time.
