What's The Difference?
What is the difference in Sam Walton (founder of Wal-Mart) and your next door neighbor or Oprah Winfrey and your best friend? Some would say fame. Others might suggest fortune. I would like to offer a 12 letter word...PERSEVERANCE.
Today I heard the story of "The Luge Man," Ruben Gonzalez. He was raised in Houston, Tx, did not excel in any sport throughout middle or highschool nor in college, began training for the Olympics at 21 years old. Yet, he competed in four winter Olympics in three decades in the sport of luge. How can anyone from muggy, humid Houston become an Olympian in the LUGE? Doesn't that require snow and freezing temperatures?
As Ruben shared his story, several statements settled in my mind.
1. The only difference in people who have books written about them and me is PERSEVERANCE. Every person who has achieved a dream has the same story - dream, challenge, perseverance.
2. Very few people remain standing when the challenge fades - only those who persevere - the bulldogs. When Ruben arrived at training camp, the coach said only a handful of you will survive this training. Ruben immediately thought, "Good for me. I can win by attrition."
3. People who face the challenge with joy, faith, and resolve reach their dreams.
4. Challenges and trials are simply learning experiences from which to grow, change, and become better.
What is the difference between Bill Gates and me or Billy Graham and you? It's a long word that carries much weight.
Today I heard the story of "The Luge Man," Ruben Gonzalez. He was raised in Houston, Tx, did not excel in any sport throughout middle or highschool nor in college, began training for the Olympics at 21 years old. Yet, he competed in four winter Olympics in three decades in the sport of luge. How can anyone from muggy, humid Houston become an Olympian in the LUGE? Doesn't that require snow and freezing temperatures?
As Ruben shared his story, several statements settled in my mind.
1. The only difference in people who have books written about them and me is PERSEVERANCE. Every person who has achieved a dream has the same story - dream, challenge, perseverance.
2. Very few people remain standing when the challenge fades - only those who persevere - the bulldogs. When Ruben arrived at training camp, the coach said only a handful of you will survive this training. Ruben immediately thought, "Good for me. I can win by attrition."
3. People who face the challenge with joy, faith, and resolve reach their dreams.
4. Challenges and trials are simply learning experiences from which to grow, change, and become better.
What is the difference between Bill Gates and me or Billy Graham and you? It's a long word that carries much weight.
"Consider it all joy my brother when you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith produces perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4
posted by Stephanie Chase @ 8:34 PM
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