“To ourselves, we are great. Yet most of us live life without making a
stand, contented to blend into the background of self-rendering nothingness,
and when looking back feel contented at our mediocre accomplishments. Nobody
remembers the person who conformed out of inadequacy. Nobody notices a patch of
grass, they see the tree” ~Wayne Burrow
Whispering pines and a soft cool breeze brought back
memories of a child of my grandfather’s place in New Mexico. The Sandia
Mountains in Albuquerque are beautiful. I enjoyed visiting my grandparents and
waking up in the morning to see the vast great mountains. We would travel to
Santa Fe, NM and would sight see the area. Traveling we would go through the
valleys and on top of the mountains; could see storms far away.
My grandfather’s house was in a valley and looking up was
able to see the mountain. When we were at the top of the mountain everything
was small and to locate my grandfather’s house, you would have to use
binoculars to see it. He built his house with his own hands and he was a
marvelous carpenter with great skills. The
valley view allowed you to see great things in the comfort of his home. He was
content living in the valley and enjoyed the majestic view of the mountain.
I don’t remember where I heard this story and not sure of
the author. However, there was a rat that felt inadequate and all he wanted to
do was die because he lost his self-confidence, felt weak and felt no one liked
or respected him. That night he sat down and began to talk to the Creator, “Why
nobody likes me, I am weak, nothing to offer, no meaning or purpose and I do
not want to live anymore.”
The Creator replied back to him, “you are the strongest in
this world little rat.” The rat was in awe and perplexed at His statement and
asked, “but how can I be?” This started an interesting conversation between them
and the Creator said, “You are stronger than the night.” Again the little rat
was mystified and scratched his little furry head and asked, “Can you explain
this for me please?”
Again the Creator spoke, “because when the sun rises the
night disappears and this makes you stronger than the sun.” “But how can I be”
questioned the rat. The Creator softly spoke, “because when it is cloudy the
sun disappears and you are stronger than the cloud.” Being bewildered the rat
said, “I do not understand what you are trying to say.”
The Creator responded, “Because when the wind blows the
clouds move and disappear, and you are stronger than the wind.” Again, the
little rat was puzzled and did not understand the logic behind the words of his
Creator and responded, “But how?” The Creator answered, “Because when the wind
blows, it cannot move the tower that is behind you, but you can.” The little
rat snickered and thought if he was weak how can he move a tower that is 1,000
times his size and questioned the Creator, “ tell me more about how will this
make me strong.”
The Creator smiled in His answer to the little rat and said,
“My little friend, nor the sun, the wind, the clouds or the night can make this
tower disappear. However, you, little rat you can; by simply digging in each stone,
you can crack them and make the tower collapse.”
Sometimes we feel we are inadequate in what we do in life. Working
in a hospital to help those who have attempted suicide has been an eye opener
for me. Sometimes, past failures or fear
of the future can appear to render you useless. Yet, the Creator knows exactly
why He chose you to carry out a specific purpose. Sometimes it takes others to
help view the strengths you have and the difference you make in others’ lives.
When we are in the valley we see great things, but when we
are at the crest, everything appears to be small. Captivating our thoughts is
crucial. Beneath the surface of it all lays a foundation, there is living in
purpose, and as we sail through life, do not avoid storms and rough waters,
just let it pass and just sail. Remember, calm seas never make skillful
sailors. Inadequacy is only the exercise equipment of building up our skills in
accomplishing more than we ever have thought about! Enjoy the crests and
valleys of life and when you reach the plateau look at the journey. The mountain
may be big, but it is the approach you take, which will help you accomplish much.
By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him)
