Dr. Seuss remains one of my all-time favorite authors, continuing to encourage and provide guidance as life takes yet another step forward on this journey of life. One of my favorite possessions is a copy of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” a story, which ought to be read by every graduating student, individual questioning the purpose of life, or aspiring ________. This afternoon, I took a moment to read through the pages, looking at each image and carefully drawn piece of art. It was somewhat difficult to not have a seeping well of tears crowd my eyes as I perused through this journey the main character stepped through. Uncertainty, fear, doubt, and the ever-dreaded “slumps” encountered it while walking through life.
Will you succeed? I can’t answer that question for you. But, according to Dr. Seuss, you’ve got a high probability that you will. Kid, you’re gonna move mountains.
As I sit on an empty bed, I think of all the memories that occurred in this room. Periods of doubt, frustration, tears, anger, and also great joy were dutifully present over the past few months. I think of the moment where I got into a bloodcurdling argument with my younger brother, Mark, and regret that I let things get to that point. I look up at the ceiling and think of the countless sleepless nights where I would stare and wonder what in the world was going on in my life. As the sides of my pillow began to dampen through the course of these moments, I can say there was not a moment where God’s hand was not on me, even meeting me in these moments of doubt and fear.
The mighty warrior often goes through many, many dark nights where “mighty” is the last word he/she would use to describe themselves. It is during these times that the true mettle of each warrior is tested, hardened, and sharpened into a powerful weapon that fights for the honor of God, loved ones, and the pursuit of life. Discipline and determination are the two best friends of each warrior, urging him/her to fight to the death for the victory of each fight.
Who am I? Perhaps I am not a modern day warrior, or a strong and courageous man that others admire simply by observation. Perhaps I am not among the wealthy or affluent of society, with the fruit of my labor often feeling like small rationed portions, rather than large feasts. Truth be told, there is very little in my life that one could boast about, as there remains great distances yet to be covered. As the little boy looks into the ring, staring at the eyes of the fighter who appears to be willing to sacrifice his very life in order to advance, round by round, to his arm being raised in front of the crowd, so I look into the eyes of those who have achieved, created, and become more than average. There are many young men who dream of becoming the champion, yet few who are willing to pay the price. It’s yours…if only you would count the cost and take it!
I would like to believe that I’m an individual that’s willing to pay the price, bite the bullet, and step outside of myself and the inner ideas of what I am or am not capable of. There is only one way to find out. And that is to step inside of the ring and fight for your life.
Yesterday, I was told by a strong mentor of mine that I am not to question the ability or integrity of my inner mettle, but that it is my job to introduce others to it, as I ought to be aware of the person I am capable of being. If I have been wrong about any of this, and I am truly not capable of achievement or success, I pray the answer comes quickly and without soft padding. I hope discipline and correction are met with a receptive heart/mind, allowing me to grow and adjust to becoming the best version of myself.
Recently, I was given a book that outlined the story of one of King David’s mighty men; the strongest and most valiant warriors to fight in that land. One of them was a character who chased down a lion…and killed it! II Samuel 22:20-22. Read it.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you lions, what do you do? Do you run like hell from the potential danger and fear of getting claw marks across your chest? Or do you stare your lion in the eye and let him know the only remnant of the reign of terror he maintained on your life will be as a stuffed display to hang from your wall? I want to be a lion chaser, unafraid of charging into the unknown, where others have been too afraid to step foot, and come out of the snowy pit with the bloody remnants of a lion head in my hands. Glory, baby.
Life presents us with many lions. King David, before becoming king, was a shepherd young man (I hate the term “boy”) who knew the meaning of stepping to the plate for a fight. As the bear approached his herd, he took his sling out and killed the bear. When the lion approached, he did the same. When Goliath roared his mighty lungs, shouting curses at the Living God, David knew what to do. His battle had already been fought many years before stepping in front of Goliath. A modern day interpretation of David’s speech to Goliath may have sounded like this: “Goliath, you have offended the God I serve, and I am prepared to deal you your punishment. I have killed a lion and have slain a bear, and I am going to come kick your ass!”
Are you letting life kick your ass? Or are you taking charge of our life and proclaiming that you are a conquerer who is not afraid to step up to the plate and deal the swift hand of punishment to all that would dare stand in the way of what you are capable of becoming?
There are many things I don’t know. The future is quite uncertain. However, I do know this…that life presents many doors which are closed to those too afraid to kick them in. Similar to a police S.W.A.T. team, kicking in doors that hide criminals. While they may not know what is on the other side of the door, they do know their training, dedication, and years of sacrifice will provide them with the proper instructions of what to do when that door smashes open. Tactical, agile, fierce, and strong. These warriors kick through doors with confidence, knowing this training will see them through to return home as a conquerer and upholder of justice.
There are many doors in front of me. And I have remained docile, afraid, and uncertain for far too long. It’s time to gear up and start kicking. I’m going to kill a lion.
Ringside, champ. This is the fight of your life.
Fight.
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