Choir Notes

Inertia and Momentum

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4380

Isaac Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion; and likewise, an object at rest tends to stay at rest. Unless something acts upon the object, it will remain in its current state of motion or rest.

This law from classical physics has been used to explain the movement of everything from the smallest particles to the largest planets and stars. In some ways, it can even find application in our own lives. Perhaps you’ve noticed how momentum helps carry you once you’ve begun moving your life in a positive direction. On the other hand, you may also have noticed how that same momentum can make it difficult to break a bad habit or change directions and start working on a more worthy goal.

But there is one important way in which Newton’s law does not apply to us: we are not objects. We need not wait for an outside force to act upon us. The power is within us to create our own momentum. If we sense the need to improve, we can make a plan of action. Even if it’s only a few minutes a day set apart to focus on specific goals and clarify our principles, it will help us keep moving forward.

When an important task is started, we can keep it going and see it through to the end. When a relationship needs attention and special care, we can focus on strengthening it. When a challenge or disappointment threatens to slow us down, our positive momentum and determination can keep us going.

Of course, there may be times when it’s best to stop, reevaluate, correct our course, and then restart. While this can be difficult, how grateful we should be that we are not prisoners of the choices in our past!

What will make the difference in our lives is not the speed or the swiftness with which we move but the steady, deliberate progress we make. You can access the power within yourself to direct your own life. Learn from past experience, stay on a path of improvement, and just keep moving forward.