Never underestimate how far plodding can take you.
Plodding gets a bad rap.
Plodding doesn't get its due.
Glory seems to go to sprinting, to making a splash, to vaulting to victory.
There are those who seem to rush toward achievement, while others simply plod on...step by step...day by day...moment by moment toward their goal.
Plodders can feel like they've missed out. They feel frustrated by lack of apparent success. They can be overlooked by others who seem to grab the spotlight.
But the plodders of this world are really the ones who hold it all together.
Plodders are the ones who rise early, do the hard stuff, stay late, and come back the next day to do it all over again.
They are the mamas who make breakfast (and wipe up spills) for little ones morning after morning.
They are the dads who rock babies so mommies can sleep.
Plodders are the dog-walkers, the coffee-makers, the bus drivers, the teachers, the nurses, the police, the firemen, the computer programmers, the care-takers, the weekend-warriors, the helpers, and all the people who do their jobs--and live their lives--day in and day out, sometimes without thanks or praise.
We need you.
You don't always see progress; in fact sometimes it feels as if you're moving backwards.
But step by step, you make a difference.
You matter.
Your strength and resilience is the backbone of our society. Your determination inspires everyone around you. Your efforts aren't unnoticed.
You give this world stability; your community solidarity; and your family--pride.
You don't give up.
You don't back down.
You just keep going.
Plodding may not be glorious, but it is powerful.
Inch by inch you are softening the edges of the world and giving grace and light to everyone around you.
You won't stop giving and loving and leading.
That's what plodders do.
They quietly go about their business and get things done.
Never underestimate just how far plodding can take you.
You can climb mountains by plodding.
You can earn degrees by plodding. You can finish manuscripts, raise children, fight injustice, paint masterpieces, create beauty, build businesses, grow gardens, and make a life...if you are willing to plod.
To plod is to keep taking small steps forward, even when it is hard.
And one day, you'll turn around and marvel at just how far you've come. You'll see just what a difference you've made. You'll be astounded by the beauty that's come from all those little steps.
You'll see just how powerful your plodding has been.
You didn't give up.
You plodded on, and you changed the world.
