What if we knew in advance we wouldn't succeed the first time, but we tried anyway? Because we know that some of the greatest successes came out of the greatest failures?
What if we believed that success was something worth working toward? That it was a series of experiments.
What if we took those experiments and used them to discover what worked and why? And we put our minds to discover how to overcome or adjust the things that did not work.
What if we learned to apply these experiments to our goals? And instead of trying once and giving up because we "failed", we tried again applying the knowledge we had gained from the first time.
What if we learned to seize the moment with wisdom, not with reckless abandon? Understanding that some things once broken can not be made new, but also realizing that great things often come from what has not been tried before.
What if we applied these things to our faith? Knowing that we are not infallible, but trusting that if we will seek the truth we will find it. Believing that if we draw near to the Lord, He will draw near to us, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Realizing that what we can see is what is in front of us, but He understands the big picture.
What if we expected of ourselves what we expect of beginning athletes? That to excel they must practice. That they will miss more than they make in the beginning, but that the time is well spent.
What if we looked at a quality finished product and realize that it did not just materialize out of thin air? It was thought up, designed, adjusted, and tested. Even after it is made available for use, someone is still imagining and inventing ways to make it better for future production.
What if when we faced struggles, we used them to make us better? We didn't see it as some thing that would break us. We used the knowledge from our past that would help us, overcame the thoughts that would immobilize us and had the faith to move mountains.
What if we knew in advance we wouldn't succeed the first time, so we tried anyway?
