When my children were young, one of my favorite stories to read to them was The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. Now that my grandchildren are old enough to listen to books, I find joy in this classic tale once again. The best line in the story comes as the little engine chugs up the mountain with an unlikely mindset of confidence. Over and over, he repeats this mantra. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” And he did. With unwavering determination, he made it over the mountain bringing good food and toys to the children on the other side.
I lived by this mantra for much of my life, pushing my way over every mountain that stood in my path. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” And I did . . . obtain my pilot’s license, graduate from medical school, run my own business, and travel to third world countries on medical missions. So, why as I’m entering the so called “golden years” of my life, do I find this mindset of confidence waning?
Perhaps by looking backwards, I can find the path to move forward once again–chugging up the mountains looming on the horizon before me.
What gave the little engine in this children’s story a mindset of confidence above all the other engines? There are three key concepts from the attitude of the little engine that can give us insight.
Direction
The little engine knew where he was going. He had a goal placed before him which had value. Even though he had never seen the children on the other side of the mountain, others told him of their need and he chose to act on their behalf. Having a defined direction and an honorable goal are powerful motivators to begin our journey. However, to continue onward, we must remember our “Why” and keep it close in our heart.
The words of the Apostle Paul from prison to the Philippians 3:12-14 Message BibleI’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends don’t’ get me wrong. By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward–to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not looking back.
Connection
The clowns and other animals in the stranded train cars cheered the little engine on. He didn’t go up the mountain alone but kept connection with others on the same journey. Keeping connected with like-minded people is an important factor in the success of any endeavor. In the same way, maintaining a close prayer connection with God, sets us on the right path and guides our steps. Without these spiritual bonds, it’s easy to lose our way while traversing our mountains.
Philippians 3:17 Message BibleStick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them.
Determination
Even when the work of the climb was difficult, the little engine never gave up. He determined before he started the journey that he would not quit. More often than not, the top of the mountain is shrouded in mist. We can’t see when we’re almost to the peak. Determination keeps us going, no matter what. Always consider the cost before setting off on any journey. Deciding to persist is a choice we must make before we start the climb, not in the middle when we’re faltering.
Philippians 3:15-16 Message BibleSo, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something else than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision–you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
The journey of the little engine over the mountain is akin to the path of discipleship described by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church. It touches my heart each time I remember he penned these words from a Roman prison just prior to his death. Even there, he focused on his goal–telling others about Jesus–his Lord and Savior. And so can I.
Jesus walks with me on this journey. He gives me strength (especially as I’m aging) and a mindset of confidence to keep going onward–no matter what. “I think I can” becomes reality through Him.
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Philippians 4:13 Message Bible
