When you read the story of the Wright Brothers – the two American brothers, inventors, and aviation pioneers generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful airplane you can’t help but be inspired
On reading their story you might wonder why they bothered. Their bicycle shop was very successful so they didn’t need the money or prestige, but why would you want to fly? “Do you really think man can fly? Man wasn’t meant to fly! Leave flying to the birds and get a grip on reality, man will never fly.”
Or so went the traditional wisdom of the day. But a small band of determined inventors dreamt of the day that man would fly and were determined to make that dream a reality. Amongst these dreamers were the brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright.
In many ways their quest was ridiculous as little was understood about aerodynamics. Birds flew and kites flew, but precisely what made either possible was still largely a mystery. However this lack of knowledge didn’t deter the Wrights. They had a dream. And somehow, although they didn’t at first know how, they believed it could be done and were determined to learn whatever was necessary to make their dream of controlled sustained flight a reality.
Their quest began in earnest in the winter of 1900, but it was not until December 17, 1903 that the first successful controlled flight was made. It lasted 12 seconds.
From that first 36.5 meter, 12 second flight, we have progressed a long way. Not in their wildest dreams could Wilbur and Orville Wright have foreseen the progress that would be made in powered flight.
But as amazing as the invention of the aeroplane was, these two men and the many others who have also dreamt big dreams, goes far beyond the process and technique of a new invention or the ingenuity of flight.What their success can teach us is the lessons and benefits of perseverance.
Through mishaps, discomfort, accidents, and the countless hours spent studying and perfecting their flying machine these two brothers are both astounding examples of the power of belief and perseverance. Quite frankly they just refused to give up.
Today if you have a dream, know that just because everyone may think it’s impossible and even laugh at you, does not mean you are crazy or have a problem. Know that with God all things are possible and that He gives us strength to keep going and to keep persevering.
Two bicycle mechanics with a dream changed our concept of travel and consequently our view of the world simply because they refused give up or to listen to those who said it couldn’t be done.
The Inscription on the Wright memorial reads, “In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Conceived by genius. Achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith.”
There will always be two groups of people in the world: those who point out and talk about what may be possible and those who set out to achieve it. Today I encourage you to be the latter and determine to be someone who has dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith!
“Know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
“You created earth and sky by your great power – by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can’t do.” (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)
Prayer: Lord thank you for the amazing ability you have placed within us to persevere. Help me to strengthen this resolve in me to keep going, to persevere and to not give up. In Jesus Name Amen.