My dad is a squirrel lover. When he comes to his Florida place for a vacation from farming in Ohio, he loves to watch the squirrels in the backyard. To keep them interested, he’s built feeding contraptions between the trees outside the back window. These twirling PVC pipes with cobs of feed corn on the end are a source of constant entertainment as a type of “squirrel circus” ensues.
But it’s not easy for the squirrels at first. Each one is tentative the first time they attempt to crawl out on the crazy whirligig. But eventually the desire for corn overcomes them, and soon they are expert performers. Their sense of balance and agility is amazing. They even eat hanging upside down by their back legs! Now that’s determination.
How determined are you?
Determination is powerful. Think of the last time you were really determined to do something. Maybe you received a bill that was a mistake. You might have spent hours on the phone, finding your way through the answering machine maze and talking to a number of people. But you did whatever it took to get your money back.
That’s what determination is – doing whatever it takes. And not just in the big things. Sometimes it takes determination just to get out of bed. If you struggle with depression, have been through a family breakup, or are facing other dire circumstances, that simple obstacle can be terribly intimidating. Set your feelings aside and be determined!
I remember the first time our family planned to take an overseas flight. I was terrified of the plane trip. In the end, I just had no say, “No matter what, I am getting on that plane.” I was determined to get to the other side of the Atlantic! I recognized later that many people would have been kept from my help, had I given in to fear.
In the same way, your child needs determination. Teach them to set reasonable goals and be determined to reach them, to persevere and not give up! When they learn perseverance and the satisfaction of a goal reached, they will do better in everything (read James 1:2-4).
Life is not going to hand us our “corn.” We are destined to struggle, sometimes intensely, throughout our days. That’s why we need determination. No matter the complication of the circumstances, we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.
Decide what matters to you, or what you and your family need to be healthy and well and spiritually strong. Then say, “No matter what, I will …” or “I am determined to …” You’ll be amazed at your ability (and your child’s) to push through the hard stuff and reach the prize. Don’t give up! Be determined today!
But it’s not easy for the squirrels at first. Each one is tentative the first time they attempt to crawl out on the crazy whirligig. But eventually the desire for corn overcomes them, and soon they are expert performers. Their sense of balance and agility is amazing. They even eat hanging upside down by their back legs! Now that’s determination.
How determined are you?
Determination is powerful. Think of the last time you were really determined to do something. Maybe you received a bill that was a mistake. You might have spent hours on the phone, finding your way through the answering machine maze and talking to a number of people. But you did whatever it took to get your money back.
That’s what determination is – doing whatever it takes. And not just in the big things. Sometimes it takes determination just to get out of bed. If you struggle with depression, have been through a family breakup, or are facing other dire circumstances, that simple obstacle can be terribly intimidating. Set your feelings aside and be determined!
I remember the first time our family planned to take an overseas flight. I was terrified of the plane trip. In the end, I just had no say, “No matter what, I am getting on that plane.” I was determined to get to the other side of the Atlantic! I recognized later that many people would have been kept from my help, had I given in to fear.
In the same way, your child needs determination. Teach them to set reasonable goals and be determined to reach them, to persevere and not give up! When they learn perseverance and the satisfaction of a goal reached, they will do better in everything (read James 1:2-4).
Life is not going to hand us our “corn.” We are destined to struggle, sometimes intensely, throughout our days. That’s why we need determination. No matter the complication of the circumstances, we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.
Decide what matters to you, or what you and your family need to be healthy and well and spiritually strong. Then say, “No matter what, I will …” or “I am determined to …” You’ll be amazed at your ability (and your child’s) to push through the hard stuff and reach the prize. Don’t give up! Be determined today!
RSS Feed
