In history, heroes are often known for a single act of leadership or courage.
Young George Washington chopped down the cherry tree and told the truth. Maybe that prepared him for Valley Forge. Abraham Lincoln walked miles to return a penny and after defeats, won an election and ruled a nation.
On March 6th, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn was at the right place at the right time and carried a Texas man from a burning car. Osborn had seconds to decide if he’d risk his life approaching a car that might explode, but all previous life decisions prepared him for this one. The man he saved is grateful.
Our small daily choices prepare us for long-term outcomes.
This glimpse from Julius Caesar’s life proves the point. He and his soldiers came in small boats to occupy a small island. The locals armed themselves with sticks, pitchforks, and anything they could to resist capture. To their shock, when Caesar’s troops built a huge fire and burned their boats, the islanders surrendered.
This story fits our life projects and decisions. For whatever next beachhead we need to occupy, let’s pull our boats to land, plant onshore, and burn our boats.
For me as a writer, teacher, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend that means daily Bible study, keeping up with online college grading plus praying for students, doing more plotting and writing on several magazine stories and my next novel (even though I just released Strong Currents, I’m already busy at work on another).
What does it mean for you? Who’s your favorite hero/heroine in history? What steps will you take today to guarantee success tomorrow? Be encouraged and blessed as you pursue them.
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