A five year old boy taught me the true meaning of courage this weekend. He demonstrated the essence of courage and the sense of triumph that comes along with it.
I went to the zoo Saturday. I had a pretty good time. After walking around peering at the forlorn animals for a couple of hours, my friends and I noticed there were other activities. There was a merry-go-round, a zoo train, and a rock climbing area. There was a tiny little, 5 year old boy who badly wanted to rock climb. his parent was skeptical and the onlookers chuckled. The "mountain" was at least 8 feet if not more, but in spite of that, he was allowed.
He went into the gate and we all watched him waiting his turn with the other children - talking, playing, excited to be out on a beautifully sunny day. Not a trace of fear or apprehension could be found on his face. I was impressed by his tenaciousness. The other children were older and taller than he, but that didn't seem to deter him.
It was finally his turn. The little boy approached the mountain with assuredness and took his 1st step. He took another and then another. One time he got stuck, but he never looked back. He kept looking up - towards the top - the goal. He never stopped. A silent determination seemed to carry him. Silently, and I'm ashamed to admit, doubting - I watched him believing he would soon come sailing back down any minute. The mountain seemed so large - as if it might close in on him. My chest tightened. But he was persistent. Focused. Determined... Suddenly, I stood back in awe. I watched him intently; perhaps trying to figure out his secret. I thought of my own endless insecurities... I wondered where had he picked up this fierce motivation? Was he afraid... at all?
The crowd began to cheer him on, he was the smallest one participating. I heard the attendant say he would have liked to have had the little boy on his football team - because 'obviously, he wasn't scared of anything!' Everyone could see that this boy had the heart of a lion and his determination was electrifying; it inspired us all - I felt it at the very core of my being.
After reaching the very top he looked down and I could see victory dancing and glistening in his beautiful eyes. He had definitely given it his all. My heart sank - his spirit's unwavering capacity was more than I could bear. A tear slipped past my eye. My hands clapped wildly for him and my voice cheered him on.
When he was on the ground again, everyone was still cheering and rooting him on. He smiled and I moved towards him and hugged him fiercely, expressing my pride in his accomplishment. My eyes filled a bit. I realized quickly that it was more than seeing him accomplish the goal, it was knowing that HE knew he fiercely believed he could do it. You see - this little boy is my son.
After we left, I asked him if he had been afraid; if the climb had been scary. Speaking truthfully, he told me, "a little." I said, "but you kept going anyway - didn't you?" He responded, "yeah."
I hadn't expected him to admit he had been afraid.
We often look at others and see their success, their victories - but how many times do we stop to think about the trials/fears or the mountainous obstacle(s) they encountered and had to overcome to get where they are? How many times do we think about the risks they took - that promised them nothing in return?
Every one of us has a fear of something, but the idea is to "walk by faith." Never allow the fear to stop you. Accept it, BUT keep going. Keep pushing, keep striving, kicking and fighting for what you want; for your precious, precious dreams. Don't allow fear to stop your progress. As difficult as it may seem, we must push through life with courage and faith; we must champion through life - like the little boy - with the heart of a lion.
After he told me that he was a "little afraid," but that he kept going anyway - I told him that's what courage was. Courage is not about fearlessness, courage is about continuing the "fight" in spite of the fear.
Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
God's peace and love to you all
8 comments:
What a beautiful story. The fact that he was literally climbing a mountain, which is symbolic for life's challenges, makes the message even more profound. I am sure you could write a book on how much even the youngest child can enlighten. "Be of good courage!"
*eyes tearing up* Oh my. Yes, children can be the greatest teachers of all. *going to get a tissue* Goodness. See what ya done, done. :-)
What a magnificant xpression of faith, No one ever told him that he couldn't do it, and so thinking in his heart that he could, he did. OH, If we grownups would only go back to having faith as a child, untainted and uncontaminated by world opinion . I am the PROUD grandfather of this champion. Who ever thought that one of my heros would be my own grandson> WOW!
What a vivid account of a real life experience. I felt as if I was there witnessing the whole thing from start to climatic finish. YOU are an excellent writer. I've read your work and can't wait until you publish your book and get it in the stores.
Proud Uncle,
I witnessed this same young man take on the biggest waves at Cocoa Beach in Florida. See I had him on a surf board and he kept asking to go farther and farther out. I had my arm around him and we found ourselves in water up to my chest. I asked him if he wanted to go back and he simply said no. I have watched him over the last five years overcome so many obstacles and persevere everytime. I guess I am biased because I'm his uncle from NC. But you can believe that the sky is the limit for young N---, because he is being trained to trust God 1st. I'm at work with tears in my eyes wishing I had been there to witness the little man in another conquest.... Sister just tell him that Uncle Rome is proud of him and loves you all endlessly..... He is an inspiration to his old uncle as are you my sister.......
God Bless
Your story was so wonderful. It really touched my heart. I am so proud of my little cousin. He really does have a lot of courage. He is a true example of child-like faith.I am also very proud of you because of the courage you have to surpass the trials and tribulations you may have. May God continue to bless you both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
You do know that he was able to accomplish this task because his birthdate is May 18 right? All May 18th babies rock!!!!!!!!!!!!! You Go Boy!!!!!!
*slightly pounding on table* I demand (but it's really up to you:-) another post! Pronto! (whenever is convenient for you :-) hee hee :-)
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