Do you remember the story of ‘The Little Engine That Could?’ If not, to jog your memory, ‘The Little Engine That Could’ is an illustrated children’s book that became widely known in the United States after publication in 1930 by Platt & Munk. The story is used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work (Wikipedia).

This widely read story is about overcoming significant obstacles and the seemingly impossible. In short, there was a long train that needed to get over a mountain and the engines that had the ability, rejected the request for help. Finally, the request was given to a small blue engine which, for whatever reason, said yes. Once this little blue engine was hitched to the long train the insurmountable task of pulling the train over the mountain became evident to all.  The little blue engine had a sweet attitude and began to speak life into the situation by saying, ‘I think I can, I think I can.’ This mantra remained during the entire pull, and I believe it’s when he almost reaches the highest tip of the mountain he changes his mantra to ‘I know I can, I know I

The little blue engine had a sweet attitude and instinctively began to speak life into the situation by saying, ‘I think I can, I think I can.’ This mantra remained during the entire pull, and I believe it’s when he almost reaches the highest tip of the mountain he changes his mantra to ‘I know I can, I know I can.’ With that, he makes it over the mountain and defeats the odds.

Life can throw any of us some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. You may have experienced some already and if not, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but more than likely, a time will come when you’re faced with either throwing the towel in or choosing to be like the little blue engine and telling yourself ‘I think I can, I think I can.’

There have been times in our life (Rob and myself) when giving up seemed like the obvious decision to make. Perhaps obvious because it was the easiest. There have been things that we had let go of because the season of change was upon us and then there have been times when we knew that giving up wasn’t an option. We knew that, like the little blue engine, we needed to press into the mountain, speak life and truth into our situation and believe for the reward of the mountain top experience.

I promise it’s worth it. Is it hard? Absolutely. Do you doubt along the way? Unquestionably YES. Will there be uncomfortable times and times you question your motives and even your sanity? Oh, there will be, and that’s perfectly okay. I still say, it’s worth it and what a beautiful reminder the little blue engine gives us. As a mature woman, there are times when I find myself adopting the mantra of the little blue engine. It’s one of those stories that just seem to stick and come in handy at the right time.

If you haven’t read this book to your children, I strongly recommend you do. And, check out the cute video I found of a sweet little girl who chose NEVER TO GIVE UP.

Much love,
Susanna #littlemiraclescommunity