Sure Footing

As they learn to walk, toddlers are known to "toddle," clumsily propelling themselves forward, often on the verge of taking a spill. No one is born with all the necessary abilities and skills needed to take one step at time when learning to walk. Many of us still struggle with this concept in other areas of our lives. As we grow, we learn that balance is key, not only for walking, but also for many of life's obstacles. Over time, we come to understand that there will be challenges placed before us. And in the long run, it is our responsibility to muster the drive to overcome those challenges.

Awhile back, I was fortunate to hear a message from a pastor about two boys and their attempt to set a scarecrow upright. They would prop the scarecrow up, and it would fall. They would straighten it up, and it would slouch forward. This happened again and again. One of the youngsters soon realized that the scarecrow needed something "inside of him" to hold him upright. We need that, too. We each need "something inside" that keeps us on task and moving forward.

"One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself." -Lucille Ball

Often, it is our technique that handicaps us. So, let us concentrate on the game instead of the other players. Set a goal for your next step, not your final step, and push ahead. We may grow weary and need to temporarily push aside whatever we are struggling with to lean on a friend, our family, and most importantly, our faith to regain the strength and the diligence to persevere.

"God's trials are meant to customize us and help us become the person we are intended to be," said Dr. George Anderson. Faith is what we need more of each day. Faith in the realization that if we try our best, if we believe, if we focus, that whatever the sum of our struggles may be, we will be better in the end.

Find resolve; develop a backbone. The understanding that success comes from within us is vital to accepting what is placed before us.