![]() ![]() But when you’re in that spot, you spend hours watching movies and TV, avoiding the real stuff going on in your life. It’s like the comfort of a well-used blanket and the cozy corner of your couch, the spot that feels oh-so-good to hang out in. Too often we let ourselves go back to what we know, in spite of how bad it might have been there, how miserable it made us feel, or how unhealthy the bad habit might have been. To shrink back into safety, back into the zone where we know it’s safe, where we’ve been living up until now. Anything that’s a change from what’s “normal” will require us to face something that causes us to feel uncomfortable.Īnd, naturally, it will cause us to want to retreat. ![]() These are things that put us outside our comfort zone - sometimes just a little bit outside, sometimes way outside. And trust me, that English army will look just as intimidating. If we truly want it, we’ve got to be willing to take action - just like the Scots did against England. Wanting things to be different isn’t enough. When we want things to be different and are trying to make adjustments to our lives, be it our daily habits, our approach to work, our relationships, or whatever else. When we are facing our own demons - big or small. This is sometimes what it takes for us too. ![]() When they’re lined up to fight and it looks totally hopeless, he charges them up, getting them to stick to his strategy and above all else… “Hold the line!” He has his war paint on, and his rag-tag guerilla army made up of Scottish farmers with little to no training is facing the full might of the English army. It reminds me of the scenes from “Braveheart” where William Wallace is rallying his troops. It triggers something in my brain related to toughness - mental toughness, physical toughness, emotional toughness. Stories of heroes to hear and Bible truths to ponder.To be totally honest with you, whenever I think about this topic, I get fired up. Math concepts to master and timelines to remember. Sweet times to enjoy with friends at lunch and recess. Sometimes, literally, by your friends outside the classroom window. The next game, if you will, in the series of life. The game is over, but THE GAME isn’t over. And yet … the coach of the team that’s behind is still coaching. Six three-pointers cannot happen in less than one second. With 0.8 seconds left on the clock and the other team 18 points ahead, a comeback is impossible. The weapons are finally raised at the critical moment. Then, just as imminent doom approaches, the new command is given. I see the sideways glances of men questioning their leader while awaiting the new command. I hear Mel speak the word “steady” and then repeat loudly and firmly, “Hold, hold, HOLD.” ![]() Weapons are held high, and the warriors stand steely-faced and steady as the hoofbeats reverberate louder and the lances drop into a forward position. I hear the horse hoofbeats all in tempo galloping forward. I see Mel Gibson’s blue-painted face and I hear the bagpipes playing in the background as I feel the fast-approaching troops. When the beautiful weather calls me to stay longer outside and the bluebonnets beckon me to linger, I must respond with: “Hold. Why? To stay strong because everything in me is screaming, “It’s almost the end of the year- relax, chill, coast.” When the spring fever and the temptation to let up on discipline, hard work, and the push to the finish line hit, I watch this clip. The end is in sight.Įvery school year, at some point during the last term, I personally (at home) like to watch the “hold” clip from the movie “Braveheart.” It is a strong visual reminder to stand firm and hold it all together until the very end of the year. I often say this to my students as they start to feel the end of the school year approaching. “Summer’s coming, but it’s not here yet.” ![]()
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