To those kids in last place ...

I got to attend the kids' Track and Field day today. It was amazing and so much fun. Sam surprised everyone by being an absolute powerhouse runner. He used to hide his athletic ability because he didn't like being watched - this is one kid who does not enjoy being the centre of attention. But the boy can run.

But the kids who touched my heart the most were the kids coming in dead last. Why didn't they give up? Once they realized they were truly last, why didn't they just sit down on the grass and catch their breath? But they didn't.

Heat after heat, they persisted - making their way to the finish line long after the first runners had arrived.

I think they probably gained the most valuable exercise today. Fast runners have a golden gift that everyone cheers for. But the slowest kids? The practice of persisting works out a muscle that they'll use their whole lives long.

Persistence is power. 

To the slowest kids: I'm so proud of you.