Week 3 Day 5

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When to Resign

The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:3–4

Through waves, and clouds, and storms,

He gently clears thy way:

Wait thou his time—the darkest night

Shall end in brightest day.

Here’s a lesson about quitting. A few days before Lincoln’s death, Stanton tendered his resignation as secretary of war. He accompanied the act with a heartfelt tribute to Lincoln’s friendship and devotion to the country. He said he had accepted the position to hold it only until the war should end, and now that his work was done, it was his duty to resign. President Lincoln was greatly moved by Stanton’s words. Throwing his arms around him, he said, “Stanton, you have been a good friend and a faithful public servant, and it is not for you to say when you will no longer be needed here.” If you find a trusted friend or colleague who wants to quit, let that person know how important he or she is to you and that you simply won’t accept the resignation. You might find that your friend or colleague didn’t think he or she was wanted anymore. All that person needed was your continued confidence.