Bernat Marrtorell- Saint George and the Dragon, 1434-1435
Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.
– G.K. Chesterton
I came across the quote above from G.K. Chesterton years ago and instantly loved it. Didn’t know how I would employ it but knew that sooner or later I would bring it out. As a Committed Optimist, I believe today is the day.
I could blather on about this but let’s keep it simple.
We know that the dragons, in a variety of shapes or forms, are out there. The danger they pose is real and we fear them for it.
And that’s good. Knowledge of the thing we fear makes us wary, keeps us focused.
And knowing that those things– the dragons in whatever form they take–can be overcome, that they can be vanquished, gives us the confidence and courage to continue onward to ultimately face off with whatever stands between us and our vision for the future.
Commitment, confidence, and courage are far more powerful than the sum of all our fears. They are the building blocks from which optimism and futures are built.
Remember two things:
- Our fear makes dragons larger and knowledge makes them smaller.
- We are born to vanquish dragons.
I am trying to engrave that in my mind and in my heart for this coming new year.
For the first Sunday Morning Music of 2022, here’s a most fitting song, probably one with which most of you are familiar. It’s Rise Up from Andra Day.
It’s the kind of song you need when facing off with those dragons…
Redtree Times 