On June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France, waves of American soldiers hit the beach, known by code name “OMAHA.” As the soldiers landed at the beach at 6:30 a.m., most of them were killed instantly. A few took cover by a seawall for protection. As the next waves arrived, the number of soldiers caused a bottleneck at the wall, making it less safe for waiting soldiers. Most of the initial officers who landed were either killed or mortally wounded. Fear began to set in for the remaining soldiers. Something needed to happen to stave off the fear of impending defeat. Finally, one man took the initiative by going over the wall. This spurred other men to do the same, giving enough other men courage that they soon joined the fight. No one told them or asked them to do this–they just acted.
Just like these soldiers, our children can bear that same spirit of initiative. The battlefield of life is calling for some boys and girls to stand up and begin a task before they are asked. It can start small, like doing things before he or she is told. Children can look for ways to help their parents around the house. They could even learn to do better with the things that are already assigned to them–go the extra mile! This trait can turn into our children learning not to put things off until tomorrow. So many assume that others will do it for them. They do not have to wait until the last minute to get things done.
In Character Connection, we learn this truth from the biblical example of Nehemiah, who was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. He was an actual historical figure who lived in the royal palace with the king, and his job was to make sure the king’s food was safe to eat. One day, he heard of the wrecked state of the walls of his hometown, Jerusalem. His heart was heavy at the news. Someone needed to rebuild those walls. Who would do it? Nehemiah took the initiative when he asked permission from the king. He willingly traded the comfort of the king’s palace for the tiresome work of rebuilding the walls, and God blessed his action.
We do not always need to be told to do something or to accomplish a project. We must take it upon ourselves, when we see a problem or a need, to make it happen. If we care about our friends, family, church or God, we will start tasks before we are asked.
Memory Verse:
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12