Behind the “seens”…

“People seldom see the halting and painful steps by which the most insignificant success is achieved.” Anne Sullivan April 14, 1866 - October 20, 1936

What a wonderful reminder that all the difficulties we encounter in our day to day lives, be they personal, business, educational, or otherwise, are really not that unusual, even if seldom alluded to by high achievers. Much is made of the success of many a “world changer”,  but we do not hear enough of the grueling practice they regularly engaged in or the many disappointments they experienced on their way to the top.

There is much to learn and aspire to, in the realization that the success enjoyed by many was wrought about through commitment and perseverance and oftentimes, at a great personal cost.

While Anne Sullivan persevered as a teacher, Helen Keller also had to persevere as a student in order to make great strides, both personal and educational, when, I’m sure, it often must have seemed easier to just give up. So here is a lesson for those who would teach in difficult circumstances, also for those who would dare to learn in spite of seemingly unsurmountable difficulties and for everyone else going about the business of living. Perseverance does have its rewards when kept as a faithful companion and a commitment to not give up.

“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

I love this verse because it acknowledges that it does get tiring to do good, to work and work and see no positive results and yet at the same time it provides a sure hope, in the certainty of an eventual harvest, if we do not give up.

Agricultural harvest is such an awesome picture we can all relate to, of the work, care, patience, and faith needed to ultimately enjoy the fruit of one’s labor.  A process which we can readily apply to all sorts of situations when there is absolutely no proof of anything happening, or changing.  Believing to the contrary and acting on that faith, rain or shine, by continuing to perform our “due diligence”, eventually yields proof that both our faith and work were indeed, never in vain.

The image which accompanies this post is that of a nest which I found so fascinating that I photographed it, to share it as I’m doing now. The overall composition as well as the intricate design of the nest drew my attention as I pondered all the work involved in the fabrication of this ingenuously designed structure, which most people casually walk by, without a second thought.  I also thought about what goes on inside the nest, which perfectly illustrates Anne Sullivan’s point of seldom seen rigors having to be endured, to realize even the most seemingly “insignificant success”. To her point, both parents and hatchlings, behind the scenes/“seen(s)”, must persevere through various exhausting teaching and learning scenarios, until, finally, one fine day, all are rewarded by the fruit of their labor.

May we all be inspired to keep on keeping on, and all the more when the going gets tough!

EA

On Dreams, Strength, Patience & Passion…

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman

The dream, that’s the easy part and then comes the needed strength (mental, spiritual, physical, etc. ) necessary to implement the dream in spite of whatever obstacles, challenges may seem to stand in the way.

What’s your dream? Do you have the patience to see it through? How about the passion to keep on keeping on when nothing seems to be happening and you’re tempted to give up? Is your dream, a “difference making” dream? If it is, then you have a long list of “difference makers” narratives to draw upon, to learn from, and be inspired by…Men and women who faced unfathomable obstacles and yet lived to see their “difference making” dreams come true. What’s your dream?

Dream: A strongly desired goal or purpose (Merriam-Webster)

Strength: The emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with difficult or distressing situations. (Oxford Dictionaries)

Patience: the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed: (Cambridge English Dictionary)

Passion: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction (Merriam-Webster)

EA

In the beginning was The Word…

John 1:1 How weighty are these words? Wow! Absolutely amazing, just to begin with…Food for thought, for a good little while…I’ll be back!

How a propos! This is a website about words after all, so why not get it going with its very first quote from The Word, about, what else but The Word? Are you still there? Imagine that…In the beginning, a very, very, very long time ago…The Word was, and not only did it exist, it was a Person!