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June 2005 Issue
The river always wins
by Jennifer Shike
“In the confrontation between the river and the rock, the river always wins… not through strength but by perseverance.”
I suppose I’ve never stopped to compare the differences between rivers and rocks. When I first read this quote, I argued in my mind that rocks are strong and powerful – how could water overcome a rock?
But, when you consider the power of a river’s perseverance, it’s easy to see why the river always wins.
Rivers come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share a few things in common. Every river starts at a high point. Water from a source such as a spring, snow melt, or a lake starts at this high point and begins to flow down to lower points. As the water flows down, it picks up more water from other small streams or brooks. These streams slowly join together to form a river that eventually runs into the ocean or a lake.
Rivers both carve the land and build it up. As rivers flow, they cut into the land and erode it away by grinding up rocks and churning up small rocks and soil. Over time, rivers change the land they flow over by carving new paths for themselves. All of the rocks, pebbles and soil that rivers churn up are carried downstream. As the river flows, it deposits all of the stuff it carries along the way.
As you can see, there is more to these rivers than one might imagine! And they even illustrate a few important lessons about life that can help you win, too.
It takes time to form a river. Rivers don’t appear overnight. They are the result of years of circumstances and events coming together. Don’t be in such a hurry to get to the top – whether it’s the top of your class, the top of your team, or the top of your game – that you miss out on important things along the way.
The good things in life take time, and that period of time allows you to grow from the process. Don’t expect to become an instant winner – instead focus on learning from each experience that comes your way in the journey to reaching your goal.
Rivers aren’t made on their own. Rivers are the result of many little streams coming together and moving in the same direction. If you want to be successful, you need to identify a support system. Who are the people who build you up, hold you accountable to your actions and care about your success? Those are the people you should surround yourself with each day. Allow positive people to feed into your life and help you become your best.
Rivers carve their own way. Rivers don’t follow the mountain straight down – they bend and take detours from time to time. Your life is unique. Only you can decide what your path will look like. Don’t be afraid to bend and be flexible as you pursue your goals. Sometimes things change and an incident will occur that will cause you to move in a different direction. Ultimately, you are the one who will be held responsible for the path you choose. Do what’s right – even if it means taking a longer path. Shortcuts rarely take you where you want to go in life.
Rivers make deposits along the way. Without rivers, our landscape would be boring. Are you living an adventure-filled life, continually making deposits along the way? I’m sure you can find key people in your life who have helped you become the person you are today. Invest in your friends and those in need because the more you give to others, the more you will receive in return.
Rivers persevere. Regardless of whether you are the best or worst, as long as you stick to what you started, you will find success at the end of your journey. I encourage every NJSA member to experience the variety of contests offered at our shows – especially the National Junior Summer Spectacular.
Sometimes when I encourage a member to enter a new contest, they try to convince me why they shouldn’t do it. I’ve heard every excuse from “I didn’t practice” to “I’m not good at that” and then some! But I try to remind them (and you!): maybe it’s not your strong suit yet, but it could be someday.
And, if you faithfully compete in the judging contest and finish in the bottom 10 every year, I guarantee that when you are done you will have learned a few things about selection and public speaking that will help you in other areas of your life. Life is not just about winning on one given day. It’s about living a life that “wins” each day by doing your best and working hard – perseverance.
In this issue, you’ll find a true-life example of perseverance beating strength alone. Read on pages 19-21 how Jordan Hoewischer worked hard and endured challenges in order to accomplish his dream of walking onto The Ohio State University football team.
As you read the story about Jordan, you’ll notice it took time to reach his goal. People helped him along the way. He made good choices and chose his own path in life. He made deposits into the lives of others along the way. And ultimately, he persevered. He never gave up and he never lost his focus.
The next time you cross a river, remember why it wins.
