Hey Fam!
Yesterday morning in church, I heard a story that left me in awe—and I couldn't wait to share it with you. It’s about a man named Cliff Young, a 61-year-old Australian farmer who became one of the most unlikely champions in sports history.
Back in 1983, Cliff decided to enter the Melbourne ultramarathon—a grueling 543-mile race. He showed up wearing overalls and work boots, looking nothing like the seasoned athletes in their sleek gear. People laughed at him, assuming he’d drop out within hours. But Cliff had a secret: years of working on his farm herding sheep on foot taught him endurance like no other.
While the other runners sprinted ahead and rested at intervals, Cliff kept his steady, shuffling pace day and night. Most runners would run for 18 hours and sleep for six, but Cliff only slept an average of 2 hours per night! Slowly but surely, he overtook everyone, won the race, and was the first to ever complete it in under 6 days! And here’s the kicker: he didn’t even know there was a prize. He ended up sharing his winnings with the rest of the runners. Cliff simply wanted to prove to himself what persistence could accomplish.
Personal Reflection
Cliff Young’s story reminded me of a chapter from my own life. Back in college, I was pledging to become a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Those were some of the most demanding days I’d ever faced—very little sleep, long nights, and the kind of physical and mental exhaustion I hadn’t experienced before. But through it all, I discovered something powerful: my capacity to endure and push beyond my perceived limits. Now, as a resident, working through grueling shifts, I find strength and confidence in that experience. The resilience I built during that season of my life has become an invaluable resource in this one.
It’s a reminder to value every moment we’re given—even the hardest ones—because we never know how they’ll serve us in the future. What we do know is this: the harder we work and the more we give to each chapter, the greater the return when those lessons come back around. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or somewhere in between, know that the effort you’re putting in today is planting seeds for you to accomplish something remarkable in the future. And it may be unexpected, like a hard working farmer becoming an ultramarathon champion.
Ways to Apply This Story to Your Growth
1. Reframe challenges: See the struggles you face as opportunities to grow skills or traits you’ll need in the future.
2. Push your limits: Hard work today strengthens your ability to handle tomorrow’s demands.
3. Connect the dots: Reflect on how past experiences have prepared you for the challenges you face now.
4. Give your all: Whatever season you’re in, give it your full effort—it’s shaping you in ways you might not even realize yet.
5. Stay open-minded: Even the most unexpected experiences can turn into your greatest assets later on.
Quote to meditate on this week:
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” – Seneca
Resources You May Enjoy
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See you next week!
JR
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