Opportunity Combined with Passion

 

The first time I read the below poem by E. Sills it was when reading through a book of poems my mom had been given as a high school graduation present. 

 

     From the first reading of it until now, I think the author has captured well the idea that what matters most in life is not always the equipment or gear we (or an army) may have to work with, but the passion, willingness and bravery of a heart committed to a higher cause.

 

     As I have been hiking the AT, I have met many "gearheads." These are people who are constantly talking about the types of shoes, backpacks, etc. that can lead to success in an attempted thru hike. As if the gear is the end all and be all! For sure I know having the lightest and most durable equipment, or anything which can lessen the stress on a hiker's body is important. Absolutely.

 

    But my problem is with people who speak as if there is a magic bullet which, if they can just find it and buy it, will ensure success.

 

     If that were true then the fledgling church of Jesus would never have become the force it grew into by the 4th century. The Roman Empire had all the gear! But the disciples of Jesus had something (and someone!) in their hearts and minds which enabled them to ultimately overcome everything the empire could throw at them.

 

    So do not think you are unable to dream big dreams or take on God-sized challenges. If you are a child of the Sovereign King who created and rules over this world then He can use you in His royal cause.

 

 

Uncle

 

 

 

Opportunity

THIS I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:--

There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;

And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged

A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords

Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince's banner

Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.

A craven hung along the battle's edge,

And thought, "Had I a sword of keener steel--                           

That blue blade that the king's son bears, -- but this

Blunt thing--!" he snapped and flung it from his hand,

And lowering crept away and left the field.

Then came the king's son, wounded, sore bestead,

And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,

Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,

And ran and snatched it, and with battle shout

Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down,

And saved a great cause that heroic day.