“Does anybody really think that they
didn’t get what they had because they didn’t
have the talent and strength or the endurance or commitment?” Nelson
Mandela
It’s no
secret. Life offers many challenges among the moments of joy. Each person may
have personal issues to deal with. In addition, this time in history brings
trials unique in their scope and intensity. That’s why endurance, patience, or
whatever you want to call it, is so crucial.
If we’re the type to give up when the going
gets rough, we are limiting ourselves. We have to stay the course until the
breakthrough comes—however long that takes.
Victories cannot happen when we stop halfway through the race.
My last
article
here was about how Teddy Roosevelt, King George VI of England, and Sir
Winston Churchill overcame incredible obstacles on the road to leading their
countries. Frankly, I think any efficient leader will have been shaped and
strengthened by difficulties, not by living an easy life. That
goes for anyone, really.
Ding Ding
“Please
click here
to read this inspiring story. This amazing young man has cerebral palsy.
However, his mother refused to give up hope. At 29 years old, he is on his way
to Harvard University. Enough said.
Athletes
Recently, I
saw two young men for the first time in over a decade. I didn’t recognize
either of them. Years ago, they were reserved boys of average height. They are
now tall, outgoing athletes. They have the appearance and confidence of an
athlete.
I felt my
jaw drop as I looked at them. There was no similarity at all between the boys they
were and the men they’ve become. Even their facial characteristics seem to have
become refined.
How did this
transformation happen? I’m sure it wasn’t easy. It’s difficult to build muscles
of any kind, literal or figurative. One can only imagine the mental and
physical stamina necessary to transform an everyday body into a lean, mean,
sports machine.
My Conclusion
Endurance pays off; quitting doesn’t.
The difficult trek to success is a necessary part of life.
“being
strengthened with all power according to his glorious might, so that you might
have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who
has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the holy people in the kingdom
of light.”—Colossians 1:11-12 (NIV)
Related Posts
What is your secret to endurance?
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