And So We Endure

'Much of the work in this world is done by those who had good reasons to give up, but didn't. . .

In 1775, when the British army marched on Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts farmer Samuel Whittemore was close to 80 years old. But to him, that was no reason not to get involved. So he packed up a rifle, two pistols, and a saber and joined the fight. Although he was wounded 14 times, Samuel survived and lived another 18 years. He endured.

When Marie Curie's husband died suddenly in an accident, she was devastated. But instead of becoming paralyzed by her sorrow, she devoted herself to her work—the study of radioactive elements. Later in life, Marie suffered the painful effects of her exposure to radiation, but still she continued. Twice she was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics. She endured.

It's easy to find reasons to give up or even not to try. We all have worries, fears, and weaknesses. Most experience pain of one kind or another. But whenever we are tempted to give up, it may be helpful to remember that problems and limitations need not stand in the way of accomplishment, large or small. We can all contribute, regardless of our circumstances. And so we endure.'