Memories of my dad: Just try....

Cliff Cushman was the focus of the daily reading from the book Courage To Run by Jim Ryun that my husband read to us at the breakfast table.  This man, Mr. Cushman,  wrote an open letter regarding his failed attempt at the 400-meter hurdle in the 1964 Olympics. Here, highlighted in red, is what Mr. Cushman wrote:

Don't feel sorry for me...In a split second, all the many years of training, pain, sweat, blisters and agony of running were simply and irrevocably wiped out. But I tried!  I would much rather fail knowing that I put forth an honest effort than never to have tried at all..  Over 15 years ago, I  saw a star;  first place in the Olympic games.  I literally started running after it.  In 1960, I came within three yards of grabbing it (the gold medal); I stumbled and fell and watched it recede four more years away.  Certainly I was very disappointed in falling flat on my face.  However, there is nothing I can do about it now but get up, pick the cinders from my wounds and take one more step, followed by one more, and one more, until the steps turn into miles, and miles into success.  I know I may never make it, The odds are against me, but I have something in my favor-desire and faith.

Romans 5: 3-5: "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us." 

At least I am going to try. How about you?...

I dare you to clean up your language.  
I dare you to honor your father and mother.
I dare you to unselfishly help someone less fortunate than yourself and enjoy the wonderful feeling that goes with it.
I dare you to look up at the stars, not down at the mud, and set you sights on one of them that, up to now, you thought was unattainable.
You may be surprised at what you can achieve with sincere effort.  So get up, pick the cinders out of your wounds and take one more step, I dare you!

Cliff went on to become a captain in the U.S. Air Force and was sent to Vietnam. His plane was shot down in 1966 and he is still listed as missing in action. His life shows that he tried;  he had desire and he had faith. I have heard it said that one out of one person dies. Yet living life with the fear of failing is such a waste. The older I get the more I want to keep trying; and not give in or give up on living each day with hope, with desire. I also know that I can not do it in my own strength, though.

This story reminded me of one of the things I continue to be thankful for in my dad, a hard working yet creative farmer: he always encouraged us to try. Creativity was and is birthed in that. Failures happen, yes, especially when the effort is selfish. This article reminded me that: one person plus God is a much better way to pursue ideas that He may be the author of...in my life anyway. Have a memory-making day!

Dad in his 20's.

Dad celebrating his birthday with his grandchildren approximately 20 years ago.