Are you Determined?

It is 2017!  What will be accomplished this year in your life?

I have been listening to David McCullough’s fine biography of the Wright Brothers. The Wright brothers are famous for inventing the airplane and conquering the scientific problems of flight.  After the world had finally recognized their success they received many medals.  One of the ceremonies was at the White House and involved a speech by President Taft.  There is one line which jumped out at me to consider for my on life as 2017 begins.

“You made this discovery by a course that we of America like to feel is distinctively American – by keeping your nose right at the job until you had accomplished what you had determined to do.” 

(Wright Brothers with President Taft in Ceremony. http://www.libraries.wright.edu/)

My first thought was to consider, “Is this still an American quality?”

My next thought was to consider, “Is this an attribute or characteristic that I possess?”

The Wright brothers story is one of extreme determination, resolve, and courage.  They spent countless hours and years of determination testing and experimenting with flight.  They suffered ridicule, risked their own personal wealth, and sacrificed personal pleasure in order to accomplish their goal.  Their journey was one of rugged determination.

Most of our victories and accomplishments as Americans can be attributed, at least in part, to determination.  Are we still a determined people?  Do we still have the mental and physical toughness that determination requires?

2017 is an opportunity to accomplish much for the glory of God.  May we have the determination to keep our nose to the job until our mission is accomplished! 

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  1. Something to live by!

  1. […] Are you Determined? […]

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