The Places You'll Go

I know, this is crazy, two blog posts in one night.  What am i getting at?  Well, I had a moment tonight with the kids as I read them a bedtime story.  Jack and Andy were in their bunks, Natty and I were sitting on the floor of their room.  I saw a classic book that has become perhaps my favorite children's book though I really don't know if we could classify it as a children's book.  I think it is simply a great book with an inspiring message that applies to everyone.  I don't know that I ever heard and certainly never read this book growing up.  My Dr. Seuss library consisted of Green Eggs and Ham and that was it.  I think the first time I read Oh, the Places You'll Go! was after we moved to Cedar and as I just mentioned, it has become one of my favorite books. 

I thought it would be a great little book to read as we kicked off this new year.  It was.  The kids loved it and we interacted throughout the book.  Each had questions about what different things meant and so we had a lot of discussion about it.  Do I dare admit that this particular story makes me cry?  I might be alone in this one but it does.  I get emotional as I read it and ponder the challenges of life.  I think about the path that my life has taken and the ups and the downs, the slumps, the loneliness, the being afraid and I can relate to the spirit of this book.  I love it because it captured so many of the things I have felt and I have struggled with and it constantly provides hope and encouragement to carry on.

Here is one of many passages in the book that I really could relate to:

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not, alone will be something you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone, there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.  There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you so much you won't want to move on.  

But on you will go though the weather be foul.
On you will go though your enemies prowl.
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl.  
Onward and up many a frightening creek.,
Though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike.  And I know you'll hike far
and face up your problems whatever they are. 

Thank you Dr. Seuss for the encouragement and also for a book that really tells it like it is.  I enjoyed reading this tonight with the kids and discussing those times in our lives when we have challenges to face and just how important it is to carry on.  The press forward.  Naturally I discussed the strength that we receive through a loving Savior and how through him we can overcome any trial or obstacle that comes in our lives.

I record this because the moment was a real one tonight.  It was a neat little family bonding moment and I hope that it is one that the kids will ever remember. 

I guess I will close with another little spot from the book:

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself 
any direction you choose.