I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day on this absolutely beautiful Friday morning!
Earlier this week I was listening to the radio during my morning study time. One of the announcers shared a story about her son at swimming lessons. They were at the swimming pool and all of the kids were lined up along the side of the pool - her son was somewhere around the middle I think. The instructors started at one side and had the kids jump in and swim to the other end of the pool. After a few kids had jumped in and swam to the other end, as his turn was getting closer and closer, he turned to look at his Mom standing with all of the other parents off to the side of the pool. There was complete fear in his eyes - if you are a parent, you know this look - because he had never swam before. One by one the kids continued to jump in and swim to the other end. Finally, it was his turn. His Mom, knowing that he had never swam before, stood there wondering what he would do, what would happen. The instructors encouraged him to jump in and swim. After a few moments...he jumped in and swam to the other end of the pool.
After the swim lesson was over the Mom and son were driving home. She asked him what had happened. She pointed out that he had swim lessons before and he had never swam. He stated (I am paraphrasing here), "At the other swim lessons none of the other kids could swim so I figured I couldn't swim. When all of these other kids were swimming today I figured I could swim too."
Wow! As I thought about that story I couldn't help but think how much we all are just like that, how much this thinking rules our lives. History is full of examples:
- Running the 4 minute mile
- Flying an airplane
- Sending a person into space
- Heck, sailing across the ocean
It really is interesting isn't it? Have you ever thought about the things "that can never be done?" How about this one Friends; notice how these things - the things "that can never be done" - are personalized by each of us by the people in our lives. You see, my 3 incredible young boys were born to an imperfect Dad & Mom. Though we love them will all of our hearts we lead them based on our strengths & weaknesses, successes & failures, courage & fear, etc. If I have found something to be true in my life, I communicate to them that this thing is true. If I could do it, certainly they can do it as well. Likewise, if I have found that I could not do something, surely that will not be able to do it either.
Think about the power of words, and more importantly, actions. If you want to know their power, watch a young child - say 0 - 10 years old - around their parents. They will hang on every word and try to imitate every action. You talk to the child and you are talking to "mini-me." If you are a parent like me, you are starting to feel a little uncomfortable right about now! We really shouldn't limit this to just parents however. Have you noticed how much you talk and act like your friends, your colleagues? Have you ever noticed how much your words sound like the words of the people you spend all your time with? Good, now everyone is uncomfortable! :)
Look at family history's. Some have used the term "generational curses." In some families, generation after generation folks won't get a college degree. "We aren't smart enough," "Folks like us don't go to college" or the like are spoken in homes, at Family Reunions, etc. So generation after generation nobody goes to college because they have accepted what was told to them, what was modeled to them. Sometimes there is the "rebel" in the family, the one who "doesn't get it." They "think they are better than everyone else" and they go to college. They get a degree and they alter the course of the family forever...thankfully.
There are two things I would like to respectfully ask us all to consider this morning:
1. Whose life are you influencing by the words you speak, the things you are doing? Perhaps they are the things you are not saying or the things you are not doing. Are they based on truth or are they based on your fears or past failures? It is an unspeakable privilege to be given influence in anyone's life...it is also an awesome responsibility!
2. What are the goals & dreams laced deep within your heart, your spirit that you have not pursued? Why not? Who told you that you couldn't do it? What was it based on? Is it a rational fear or is it simply an excuse to not pursue the greatness that is within you? Just in case nobody has ever told you, please allow me the privilege of telling you; YOUR life has great value, great meaning & great purpose. There is greatness within YOU and YOU are perfectly equipped to fulfill your purpose. I believe in YOU!
Please remember Friends, even when they are watching from afar like a little boy at a swimming pool, the things we say and do are influencing lives every single day.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for your or your families. I will always be willing to help you any way I can.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
No comments:
Post a Comment