The Courage to Continue

Any time the crew from Collins Home heads out together, it's a lot to manage. We currently have 17 children living on our campus. Add enough adults to manage the crew, and you quickly fill several vans. Life at Collins Home Family Ministries has allowed me to see God work and move in mighty ways. Today, attending a lake day sponsored by our invaluable friends at the Stoneledge at Lake Keowee community in Seneca was another opportunity to observe, teach, and encourage.  

Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." 

When the Collins Crew arrived at Stoneledge, we divided into three groups based on the kids' swimming abilities and comfort in boating situations. I was assigned to the timid group (which I was thankful for). We loaded up in a pontoon boat with a tube and went off.  

Not long into our journey, Captain Gary stopped the boat, and we prepared the kids for the first tubing round. Our kids were brimming with excitement, and so was I. Captain Gary slowly began to pull the tube behind the boat. Within just seconds, both kids were face-first in the water.  

I was so excited that I forgot to tell the kids to pull back on the tube instead of leaning forward. The looks of joy were replaced with shock, and the kids who wanted to tube clamored to get back on the boat. Once they returned to the boat, the younger kid said, "I'm never doing that again." His face was a mix of fear and disappointment. I tried to encourage him; I even apologized for not telling him to pull back, but the look on his face said no way! 

At that moment, I knew the answer: I would need to show him what could be done to restore his courage. For the next 15 minutes, two adults lay on their stomachs and showed the kids how fun it could be. I laughed loud and often as we were sprayed with water and pulled over waves of all sizes. The wind in our hair, the sun on our faces, and the kids' laughter made it a glorious experience. For so many reasons, too many to mention here, this is the best job I've ever had, and it is an honor to serve as a part of the Collins Team. 

Moments after we returned to the boat, I could see a glimmer of hope and a willingness to try again. The kids got back on the tube and rode for a long time. When we stopped to swim, the younger kid, who was 'never going to do that again,' was jumping off the boat and talking about his grand experience. Their resilience and determination were truly inspiring, and as Winston Churchill says, 'it is the courage to continue that counts.' 

-Kelly Ross