Ep28 Choosing Greatness Over Comfort with Isaac Schmidt

"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."
~ Pope Benedict XVI

We live in a world that often seems to be designed for our human comfort. We now have access to temperature-controlled homes, split-second mobile computers in our pockets, fast food, and delivery services. And as comedian Louis C.K. once said, "Everything is amazing right now, and nobody's happy."

Why do we find ease and comfort so enticing but, ultimately, so disappointing? Why do we so often chase pleasure after pleasure, never finding true fulfillment in the things of this world? Is there a higher call for us in this earthly pilgrimage? Pat & Kenna welcome Isaac Schmidt, a college student well acquainted with discomfort and difficulty, into the conversation to discuss the Christian call to heroic holiness rather than comfort. Step into the discussion and be prepared to reject mere comfort and to strive for greatness!

Isaac Schmidt is a student at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota studying business and construction management. He graduated from St. Agnes Catholic High School in 2022 and was honored with the Palm Award, the school's highest honor. Selected by the faculty, the award honors one young man and young woman from the senior class who have achieved excellence in virtually all areas: Faith, academics, activities, athletics, character, virtue, leadership, friendship, and service. Isaac is also an accomplished athlete, placing at the Minnesota high school state wrestling tournament, and he recently spent 9 weeks on a fishing boat off the coast of Alaska.

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
09:44: Introducing Isaac Schmidt
16:16: You were made for greatness, not comfort
23:23: Confronting the desire for comfort
30:43: Discomfort that leads to spiritual growth
34:36: Good mental health care isn’t downplaying discomfort & hardship, but learning how to move through it
40:03: Choosing good, uncomfortable things especially in human relationships
49:55: Challenge By Choice

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Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.