One of the greatest inventors in history did not always get his ideas off the ground.
This week in 1496 Leonardo da Vinci unsuccessfully tested a flying machine. He probably put a great deal of time and effort in figuring out how to be the first person to soar as birds. But it just wasn’t his week. As brilliant as he was, he did not see in his lifetime when man actually would fly in the sky. Yet this setback did not stop him from following other dreams and solving other problems. Our world owes a great deal to this man for his many other contributions.
Another great man in history, the apostle Paul, wrote to the Galatians in the New Testament about not giving up either. He encouraged them not to “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (6:9 NIV) He knew that we all have something to contribute to the world. But these things won’t take off if we don’t try.
As you begin the year, don’t settle for the everyday things in life. The world is waiting for you to make a difference.