March 24, 2006
Aspire to Inspire
A truly inspiring view The Maui Gold Coast
here is another great post by Dr. Robert Rohm, the motivational speaker.
ASPIRE to INSPIRE before you EXPIRE!
I believe all of us have seeds of greatness within us. Because we were created in the image of God, He has left His "fingerprints" all over our lives. Our ability to think, reason, create, discover, and much, much more, proves that each one of us is special and unique. Rest assured that you are no mistake! We all face difficult challenges from time to time, but one thing is true; every life has great worth and incredible value.
Though our time here on this planet is relatively brief, each of us should aspire to do what we can to inspire and help others in the limited amount of time we are given. No one is an island unto himself. Whether we realize it or not, our lives all touch many other lives. We should do everything in our power to inspire, help, and encourage others as we journey together in this thing called "life".
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, once said, "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to live in that grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." As I read that quote, it touched me deeply.
In those few words, President Roosevelt reminds us how important it is to try to do something to better our lives and circumstances. Sure, we may fail in the process, but to try and fail was better than not to try at all. How many people never attempt great things because they are afraid they might fail? I once heard that the fear of success is greater than the fear of failure! I find that odd, because I know from first hand experience, that the results of failure cannot compare to the rewards of success.
Most of us have heard about how the Apostle Peter got out of the boat and walked on water. But, then, after a few steps, he became fearful and began to sink. I have heard many sermons about that story. Most of them have been about how when Peter focused on the waves around him which represents the circumstances of life he began to sink and cried out for help. I do not think I have ever in my life heard one sermon about how the other eleven disciples sat in the boat while Peter was the only one who was willing to take a chance. Isn’t it interesting that what is recorded in the Bible is that he was the one who tried and failed? But, even though he failed in the short term, I believe he succeeded in the long haul.
I am also reminded that the great Babe Ruth, who is remembered for his many home runs, is also one of the all time leaders in striking out. You see, greatness always comes with a price.
The "grey twilight of life" that former President Roosevelt talked about is a sad place to live indeed! It represents that medium place that knows neither victory nor defeat.
When I was in high school, I remember a coach telling one of my fellow teammates that he was only showing mediocre ability. My friend looked at the coach and said, "What does mediocre mean?"
The coach answered by saying, "What you just did was not bad, but neither was it good. It was just sort of in the middle."
Not meaning to be a smart aleck, my friend said, "I thought when you told me I was being mediocre that you were telling me I was like pudding. Isn’t mediocre a brand of pudding?"
I will never forget the coach’s amused response, "I think you are getting mediocre mixed up with tapioca!"
Even though the coach thought it was funny, my friend still had to run laps!
As you continue in your life, seek greatness. Aspire to new heights that you have never before attempted. When you do, you will inspire other people and yourself as well. All of us are facing that moment we will expire, but in the meantime, let’s do all we can to make this day, this trip, this journey, and this life, all it was meant to be!
