When you fall, get up

As the girls prepare for their involvement in sports, I have enjoyed tagging along as they train. Last week I followed behind Lilli as she did her best to maintain her running cross country and bolster her endurance. As the child works hard to mix her training up, I have found myself being the normal, overprotective parent. Refusing to allow her to run alone, I know my limitations, and considering my personal running has been hampered by way too many pounds, compliments of the mere magnitude of doughnuts I have consumed over the years and time itself, my job is to follow her in the car.

My observer role has become very relaxing. I mean how much better could it be, sitting back and observing my beloved child punish herself as she tries to beat one more hill. Although enjoyable, my job isn’t all easy and stress-free. I do my best to ensure no hazards exist and any local dog, bent on an easy lunch, faces my wrath in hopes of protecting my prized child. So far this year most of our training days have been uneventful, to our surprise.

As I followed her the other day, I was happy to see the child become more and more involved in the sport she loves. Never shying away from a challenge, she never seemed to meet a barrier she was unable to work around. As I watched her, she decided to take a route unfamiliar to us. Wanting to encourage her, I waved her on, wondering to myself why on earth she would head in that direction. As she finished her run I watched as she collapsed on the ground from utter exhaustion.

Fighting back my desire to run to her side and lift her up from the ground, I could tell that she was not injured in any way, just worn out, so I simply watched. As the moments passed, I encouraged her to stand to her feet and be proud of accomplishing such a difficult course. I watched as the child raised one of her hands in an apparent attempt to say, “Not now dad.” I persisted. Before long she rose to her feet and made her way back to the car. As we traveled home the two of us spoke about challenges and how good we feel when we overcome them.

My mind immediately began considering that at times in life, we fall. We stumble over debris that lay in our pathway. Sometimes we simply lay there unassisted. At times others are there to lift us up, helping us, and at many other times no one is there to help us through the difficult times. We must be willing and able to understand that we and we alone control our destiny and although difficult, we must get up.

My friends, sometimes nobody is going to come and help you up when you fall. Get up and save yourself. You deserve it, and most definitely have it within you.