It took me a few minutes to recall what is probably my favorite or perhaps most memorable children’s story. I was a little bit stumped because there are a few children’s books I read to your mother and there are some I have read to you I don’t remember as a child. Some of those were new and some I don’t think were read to me when I was young.

The one that stands out is the “The Little Engine that Could.”

    There were only a few children’s shows on TV when I was a child, unlike the huge ability to stream so much video content you know. One of the shows, I think it was Captain Kangaroo, read this story and I think may have shown an animation of the story which was a pretty big deal in the mid to late 1950’s and early 60’s.

    It is a story about a little blue train engine taking on the task of bringing essentials (especially toys) over a mountain to a village. It was a task the little engine had never performed before.
    After just a little hesitance, the engine began the task of chugging up the mountain saying, “I think I Can! I think I Can!” ultimately making it up the mountain. As it began the descent into the town, the engine said, “I thought I could! I thought I could!”

    This story served as a great motivator for many in my generation. In life you will always face challenges. There are two ways to face the challenge. One is like the little blue engine; I think I can! The other is with an attitude of doubt, I doubt I can!

    As you grow, I know your family wants you to be like the little engine that could! Having an optimistic outlook is probably the most important strength when it comes to having a fulfilled and productive life. You are surrounded by a lot of family who want to instill in you that attitude.

    Don’t, however, be deceived into thinking failing makes you a failure. The opposite of optimism is pessimism. A pessimistic attitude, will rarely lead to positive results and a productive life. More times than not, it will lead to dissatisfaction and low productivity. Optimistic people look at their failures and work to improve. They don’t define themselves by their failures. They look at the next task or challenge and say “I think I can!”

    Even though this story inspired me to have an “I think I can” attitude, it’s important to have some perspective on this so you keep your expectations and limitations in balance. There are great stories of people who achieved and overcame a lot of things obstacles to reach goals and complete overwhelming tasks.

Here are a few lessons I have learned.
    1. Achieving high goals will require sacrifice and commitment. It will always take work and practice. Just saying you are going to make the soccer team, the basketball team, get the solo in the choir, be on the Dean’s List will require hard work. Don’t give up! Here’s what’s important, don’t let discouragement deter you. Keep giving it your best effort! I have a story about I hope to share in the future!

    2. There were a few things in which I invested a lot of energy but discovered I really didn’t have the talent or natural ability at which to be great! At 5’7 ½” I figured I was never going to be able to dunk a basketball or be a linebacker in the NFL. I did, however, love sports as recreation and over the years I discovered a couple at which I was fairly good. I am almost 70 as I am writing this and I still am looking at ways to improve my performance in those activities. I still “think I can!”

    3. Listen to the advice of people you trust. They will often know what your gifts and talents are better than you. Seek the guidance of people who are good at what you are aspiring to! They will help you keep things in perspective. I have seen people chase a dream they really don’t have the talent to accomplish.

    4. Also, something very important to me is does what I want for myself actually align with God’s plan and His will! You may find out what you are pursuing really doesn’t bring you fulfillment and provide you purpose. This takes faith, prayer and discernment. I hope to be around to help you in those areas!

    Here’s what I think is most important to know. The Bible never speaks of optimism. For followers of Jesus, we learn from the Bible Hope is greater than optimism. This isn’t the kind of Hope that just wishes to climb the mountain, but the knowledge God is with us as we climb the mountains in our life.

    As he pondered his faith, the apostle Paul wrote these words: Philippians 4:13 NASB 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. I don’t think Paul meant being a believer would empower a person to never have a failure or to become great at something they were not equipped to become or designed by God to be. I do think the promise is whatever mountain standing in my way, God gives me the power to climb even when I think I am not capable!

    There were many things to which I aspired to become. Over the years, I learned some of those aspirations were not in God’s plan for me. I am glad I didn’t follow every vision I had for my life! As I look back, my life has been so much more fulfilled by seeking God’s will and letting Him strengthen me for every task. It takes more than just optimism. The bottom line is, “I think I can…, but I know God can!

    One last observation as I reread the book. The little engine was a girl. I am glad my generation was taught that boys and girls both have the ability to overcome adversity and accomplish great things!

Just for the record, this is my favorite book that I read with your mother!

Gee Sprague, November 20, 2022