Come Hades or high water
To the editor:
Jamestown was flooded. The water rose to a depth of 6 feet. Two friends sat on a rooftop and watched it flow by. Amid the floating debris was an old hat. It flowed by, stopped, turned around and came back upstream against the tide. Reaching a certain point, it again reversed itself and started downstream. This process repeated itselfseveral times as they watched in amazement. Finally, one of them said: “I know what it is! Grandpaw said he was going to mow the grass today come hell or high water!”
That’s commitment!
Commitment anticipates obstacles and accepts them as part of the price paid for achievement. Adversity is looked on as an opportunity to overcome. No road has ever been built that didn’t require a removal of obstacles. Therefore, expect them, don’t be surprised by them. Never become preoccupied with them. Let them motivate you.
I believe it was Robert Schuler who said: “A mountain in your path gives you a matchless opportunity to build a tunnel through it, climb over it, or take the scenic route around it. Never just sit and curse it.” Mountains never slink away from the fury of frustration. Therefore do not let “It won’t work” be a disguise for “I won’t work at it.” Remember success comes in cans not in can’ts.
Leonardo da Vinci wrote: “O Lord, Thou givest us everything, at the price of an effort.” And the apostle Paul wisely observed: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Therefore, do not become obsessed with an obstacle, because then the obstacles becomes the goal. So change the wording from “It won’t work” to “It hasn’t worked so far.” “If it is workable, I will find a way to work it.” Enjoy the challenge. And remember, you have a dynamic partnership which consists of “you” and “God.” Human ingenuity reaches a new peak when combined with divine guidance.
Roger Wood