Strength

“It’s not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Strength.  What does this word mean?  What does this word immediately cause you to picture?  Some may picture the body builders who stand on stage and flex their muscles.  Some may picture the people who enjoy lifting weights at the gym.  Still others may picture someone with emotional strength.

This idea of strength has been on my mind so much lately.  Some of the strongest people in my life probably can’t bench press more than fifty pounds (myself included here).  However, their inner strength is far beyond what I could ever imagine.  I have incredible friends, family, and acquaintances that have done incredible things.  They continue with their day to day lives while battling inner battles, physical ailments, and conditions that don’t necessarily show outwardly.  They have adopted children, fostered children, and sadly had to deal with losing children.   They pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep going.

I also have the privilege of being an educator who watches demonstrations of strength on a daily basis.  If you haven’t ever had the opportunity to sit and watch while a child learns something new, try it sometime (in a non-creepy sort of way).  I have watched tears of frustration flow down cheeks as students have been frustrated with a task.  I have watched students walk across a full room to speak to someone who is alone.  I have watched students stand up for others.  I have watched students thrive in unthinkable situations.  All of these moments take incredible strength.

My students often aren’t aware that I am taking the time to just observe their moments of strength. Many of them probably don’t even realize they are exhibiting the characteristic of strength.  But they are.  And they are inspiring me every day to muster up strength to do something that I wouldn’t ordinarily do.

So, what does strength mean to you?  Go and do something that takes strength…whether that be physical, emotional, or mental.  Start to watch for examples of strength in your daily life.  Take a look in the mirror. You are stronger than you think.