Don’t Give Up
By: Judy Dyck
He sputtered in frustration.
I watched him pick up his ripstick, and try again.
And again.
And again.
Day after day, he would run to the toy room, get his ripstick, and try to get the hang of it.
Week after week went by. I saw him frustrated, angry even; many times. But his determination was greater than his exasperation.
As I watched my four year old son learn something new, I began to get inspired. When I’m learning something new, or seeking to grow in spiritual disciplines, I easily stop at the exasperated stage.
“It’s too hard.”
“It’s taking too long.”
“I’ll never master this.”
Several months after that first try, my son began to glide around my living room. I watched the gleam of happiness in his eyes with great admiration.
Now, he sails around the house on his ripstick effortlessly. I still watch him in great admiration, knowing how long he persevered in learning.
So, if you are learning a new skill, or seeking to grow in spiritual disciplines, or whatever you are trying to master, may a four year old boy’s perseverance inspire you to keep trying.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16