I have always admired those who could keep going when others have had to stop and rest. Endurance is as much mental as it is physical. How two people of the same weight, age, etc. and who start off in the morning with the same breakfast one of whom will run a marathon and the other can barely make it a few blocks. I am reminded of the forced 10 mile marches during my military basic training program. How a military truck followed along to pick up those who could not make it all the way. We had all our gear including our rifles, about 50 lbs. or so and they had us out and ready to go about 5:00 A.M. with very little sleep. The marches were designed to be a half run and half walk. Not run half the way and than walk the other half but rather we were walking at a rapid pace—almost running. I can remember that even being young and in excellent physical condition how tired I was getting through that ordeal. As a squad leader with about eight soldiers in my squad, I was expected to set the example. I grit my teeth and set my mind and completed the ordeal, even while encouraging my squad to keep up and keep going. One of them, I even helped along as much as I could but he finally dropped out. The rest of my squad all made it through. Ordinarily fifty pounds is not very much but after about five miles at a fast gate, you wish you could lay it aside and just go on without it. Some will say endurance is mind over matter and others will say it is physical preparation and stamina. It definitely has a mental aspect to it. We have had a large yard ever since I graduated from college and we bought our first home. Dandelions have been a bane to my existence. Taking pride in one’s yard means you try to rid your yard of dandelions. Yes, I have read about how some have praised them for their bright yellow colors and how pretty a yard was all bright yellow. Others praise them for their endurance such as this brief thought (the author is unknown):
“As I worked in my garden last week, pulling unwanted weeds out of the space that would become a haven for tomatoes, corn, peas and sunflowers, I again marveled at the flower that some call a weed. And I thought, “If only I had the staying power of a dandelion.” If only I could stretch my roots so deep and straight that something tugging on my stem couldn’t separate me completely from the source that feeds me life. If only I could come back to face the world with a bright, sunshiny face after someone has run me over with a lawnmower or worse, purposely attacked me in an attempt to destroy me. If only my foliage was a nutritious source of vitamins that help others grow. If only I could spread love and encouragement as freely and fully as this flower spreads seeds of itself.” (From Cache Valley FH Newsletter)
There are many things that have endurance such as the humble dandelion but unfortunately a human cannot endure being run over by a machine with whirling blades or even the poisons dandelions are exposed to. I was watching a commercial about a servicemen who was describing how he developed the courage to become a marine and he said it was because of an elderly man in his community who just never gave up. In the annual charitable town run to earn money for the homeless or whatever, this man would run with them all. He came in last but he came in, even with and in spite of his painful arthritis. Most of us have plenty of examples of both courage and determination. Some of the best examples were described in this brief reminder of great people who have contributed so much to our modern society. “I Can Make It Happen” has been their war cry!
History abounds with tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans, and projects of others could never be achieved. However, accomplishment came to those who said, “I can make it happen.” The Italian sculptor Agostino d’Antonio worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, “I can do nothing with it.” Other sculptors also worked this difficult piece of marble, but to no avail. Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities in it. His “I-can-make-it-happen” attitude resulted in one of the world’s masterpieces—“David.” The experts of Spain concluded that Columbus’s plans to discover a new and shorter route to India was virtually impossible. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand ignored the report of the experts. “I can make it happen,” Columbus persisted. And he did. Everyone knew the world was ‘flat,’ but not Columbus. The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, along with Columbus and his small band of followers did the impossible. They sailed across the vast Atlantic Ocean in small ships and discovered a new land and thriving resources. Even the great Thomas Alva Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, Edison invited Ford to come and work for him. Ford remained committed and tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt resulted in a vehicle without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen. And, of course, he did. “Forget it,” the experts advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, “I can make it happen.” Let’s not forget our friends Orville and Wilbur Wright. Journalists, friends, armed forces specialists, and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. “What a silly and insane way to spend money. Leave flying to the birds,” they jeered. “Sorry,” the Wright brothers responded. “We have a dream, and we can make it happen.” As a result, a place called Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, became the setting for the launching of their “ridiculous” idea. Consider the plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop the foolish experimenting with lighting. What an absurdity and waste of time! Why, nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp. Thank goodness Franklin was confident that he could make it happen. Finally, as you read these accounts under the magnificent light of our current time and environment we have to stand in awe of those great people. You, too, can make things happen! It is one’s mindset that makes it happen, the mind set called ‘enduring.’