I’ve been reading the story of the Wright Brothers who were two American brothers, inventors, and aviation pioneers who are generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful airplane.
If you ever take the time to read their story you may wonder why they bothered. They didn’t need the money. Their bicycle shop was doing well. Bicycles were one of the main modes of transportation in 1900. Cars were in their infancy, and compared to the horse and buggy, a bicycle was modern technology. And flying? Do you really think man can fly? Man wasn’t meant to fly! Leave flying to the birds. 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 dreamed of the day that man would fly, and were determined to make that dream a reality. Among them were these two brothers: Orville and Wilbur Wright.
In many ways, their quest was ridiculous. Little was understood about aerodynamics. Birds flew, and kites flew, but precisely what made either happen was still largely a mystery. The 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 they were determined to learn whatever was needed to make the dream 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 over the last 100 years.
But as amazing as the invention of the airplane 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. It has taught us a lesson in perseverance.
As my son and I have been reading the story of these two remarkable men I have learnt of all they went through to achieve their dream , and I can only be encouraged, and inspired. 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 else may think it’s impossible and may even laugh at you, does not mean you are crazy or have a problem. Know that with God all things are possible; that He gives us strength to keep going, to keep persevering.
Two bicycle mechanics with a dream changed our concept of the world, and our ability to travel around it because they refused 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 the possible, and those who set out to achieve it. Let’s be the latter, and be people who also have 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)
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.
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