Never Give Up

As some of you know I ran the Boston Marathon on April 21^st, Patriots Day.  Part of my preparation included reading 1776 by David McCullough.  David McCullough details the events leading to the American Revolution, the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the leadership of so many including General George Washington.

In mid-1776 the “Americans” had a great victory in Boston which pushed the war to New York.  From around August of 1776 til’ December 25^th, the Americans experienced one humiliating defeat after another to the British.  The American military was a poor site to behold.  Most often half the men enlisted were sick, had no shoes, were half starved, and ready to give up.  Some men died of exposure, freezing to death as they retreated from one holding ground to the next.

To most of the country including many members of Congress (and some who defected to the British) defeat was inevitable.  When all seemed lost General Washington said, “It is vain to ruminate upon, or even reflect upon the authors of our present misfortunes.  We should rather exert ourselves, and look forward with hopes, that some lucky chance may yet turn up in our favor”.

The rest is history.  General Washington’s troops defeated the Hessians on December 26^th.  A few days later they experienced a second victory against the British.  These victories propelled them over the next 7 years to eventual victory and true independence.

It’s far too easy to look upon our current circumstances and believe that all is lost.  If you find yourself feeling so remember George Washington and the relatively few men that stood at his side.  They never gave up, they never gave in.  They went to work with hope that good fortune would eventually look upon them.  Though I try I know I can never know how hard it must have been at that time.  It does however give me courage.  It gives me the strength to look up when others hang their heads down.  I know that if we will continue to work, putting forth our very best effort each day, that good fortune will eventually bless our way.