Absence

Courage is not the absence of fear
But the act of doing right in the face of it
Peace is not the absence of conflict
But the deep contentment of the soul
Faith is not the absence of doubt
But the proven conviction of reality
Mercy is not the absence of justice
But the sharing of compassion
Success is not a number or a career
But the positive impact we have on the lives of others
Patience is not a begrudging tolerance
But the peaceful acceptance of what we cannot change
Love is not the absence of hate
But the unselfish concern for others
Joy is not the indulgence of pleasure
But a divine spark that ignites when we do good