I love Winston Churchill’s quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Courage is something that many of us struggle with in the challenges of our lives. It is not uncommon for a disappointment or failure to knock the wind out of our sails, leaving us weak in our efforts to go forward. Courage is something that comes from within us and becomes weaker with each passing disappointment. That is why the part of the quote “failure is not final” is so uplifting.
Failures come in many forms. We often associate failure with a business loss or job that has been eliminated and we feel we have failed. Neal and I traveled to Montana this past summer as I shared with you in an earlier post. One of the highlights for us was our morning coffee and breakfast at a tiny little place called the Coffee Pot. The little cabin was actually divided into two sections: the coffee shop with its small tables and delightful pastry offerings, all homemade there, and the pottery side where the most beautiful handmade pottery was displayed for sale.
Upon inquiring, the owner came over to speak with us. She was just delightful as she shared her story of the Coffee Pot. She and her husband had moved to Montana to start over after losing a business. She said they came with the talents that they had and a desire to start over. She was a great cook, and he was a master potter. They came up with the idea of a little place where they could offer wonderful food to their guests. He made the wonderful pottery for the shop, and each customer was served on his beautiful creations.
As the demand for these marvelous serving pieces, mugs, and plates increased, he put a workshop in the back of the shop, and there he made beautiful pottery to sell. Today they ship pottery all over the country. As customers pile in for their treats, they often leave with a lovely piece of pottery and a bakery box filled with delicious food.
The smile on her face was radiant as she told how God had blessed their talents and desire to start over after a failure. Her courage was inspiring to me. It wasn’t easy and it took hard work, but their courage to begin again was evident in her story. I came away with beautiful memories of our week there and the wonderful time we spent every morning at the Coffee Pot.
If you are struggling with starting over today, take courage. Find that inner strength that comes from God, and let it fill your heart and minds as you take one step at a time. The times in my life where I have experienced failure, it began with baby steps as I navigated my way forward.
Look at your talents and opportunities. Take inspiration from those around you and be strong. Each day brings a new journey.
What inspires you to take courage and press on?