Our grandson was learning to ice skate. He kept falling on the ice. He was very, very discouraged. Then our daughter signed him up for ice hockey with 6, 7, and 8 year-olds.
"What?! Ice hockey? He can barely stand up on skates! How is he going to be able to play?" I was doubtful.
Our daughter tells me that one of the first things the coach taught them was about falling. Falling and getting up again. So our grandson looked around and he saw that everyone was falling on the ice. And they were getting up. It was an "eye-opener" for him. To fall isn't such a bad thing after all. In fact, to fall and get up again is good. This was a turning point for him. And he continued to improve.
So over the weekend I had the opportunity for the first time to see him play. Yes, he fell, but he got up and continued playing. AND, he scored his very first goal! To see his joy and the smile on his face really touched my heart.
I came home from that game feeling newly energized and motivated. Our grandson showed me perseverance, even through discouragement. And he showed me that much that can be achieved when we don't give up, even when we fall. And we can do more than we think we can.
So yesterday I went for a walk. A slow walk, but a long one. I hoped to go for at least 4 miles. I kept thinking of our grandson and his perseverance and his joy. And I kept going. I walked for over 5 miles! I can do more than I think I can.
Not only that, but I actually watched an NHL ice hockey game on TV for the first time and enjoyed it. I kept thinking about our grandson on the ice.
From our children and grandchildren, we can be inspired, motivated, and learn new insights.
