DO HARD THINGS

"It is a matter of serious regret that young people are commonly so little disposed to listen to the advice of the aged."

This was the first sentence in an article written by Arichibald Alexander in 1844.  In some ways one might say the same of our youth today, but I have been challenged by two young men who wrote a book that we are using in Sunday School at our church.

This book's title is, Doing Hard Things.  It has changed our household.  It is becoming a common retort to my kids when they don't measure up to a challenge or task, no matter how small.  I do not escape from these rejoinders.

My wife has been taking an active interest in encouraging me in my exercise and diet, and when I groaned my dismay at being served oatmeal for breakfast, she said—yes, you guessed it, "Do hard things."

My reply was, "oh please, don't devalue the saying."  I was properly rebuked by her soft answer, "Sometimes the hard things, look easy."  Well, yes this is what the Harris brothers say, and this is what I've been challenging my kids to do also.

So far the message of this book has changed our family. My daughters are now volunteering at the local pregnancy support group.  I have changed my priorities to be more involved in my church's men's fellowship and with my family's devotions, and my wife is continuing to minister to one of our church members and service with our home schooling group.  We have eight children, and we are looking for hard things for them also.

By all means, find this book, read it, then do hard things.