By Lois E. Wilson
Almost every day, we face risks which require us to make decisions. Do we confront them and lose or are we successful in our endeavors and win?
Like the baby who grasps the table edge wondering if he should let go—there is a dilemma.
One day, the baby risks standing alone and trying a few steps. The baby has progressed from babyhood to the reward of becoming a toddler.
“Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible—not to have run away.” (Dag Hammarskjold). Harold Macmillan states, “To be alive at all involves some risk.”
You find a tree bearing luscious fruit. You’d like to have some to eat. What do you do? You assess the risks:
You could wait until some of the fruit falls to the ground—but that could be several days. Lying on the ground, it may be bruised and begin to rot. Insects might attack it or other animals eat it.
Your ladder would allow you to reach it—but ladders are shaky, especially on uneven ground. It would be dangerous.
If you try climbing the tree; that looks possible—but the fruit is at the end of each branch. The branches could break. Should you risk going out on a limb? Would you be able to survive the attempt without falling and hurting yourself?
You take the risk, inching out on the branch. It is difficult, but not as difficult as you had imagined. At last you are close enough to reach the fruit and pick one. You hold it in your hand and admire it before you take a bite. It is as delicious as you thought it would be. It definitely was worth the risk.
Will Rogers said, “You’ve got to go out on a limb sometimes because that’s where the fruit is.”
“Everything is sweetened by risk.” (Alexander Smith). “Danger and delight grow on the same stalk.” (English proverb). Thomas Fuller observed, “Better hazard once than always be in fear.”
It is clear often before obtaining the desired reward, risks are encountered and considered. Is the reward worth the risk of failure, embarrassment, or ridicule?
You have to compete in any contest to win the game. Remember the advice (said to be from Benjamin Franklin) which is still apt today: “Nothing ventured; nothing gained.” If you never have the courage to take the risks—you’ll never reap the rewards of accomplishment for a job well done.
Merry Christmas!