In his best-selling novel...
Illustration
In his best-selling novel, published in 1973, Richard Bach presents Jonathan Livingston Seagull as one bird who is not satisfied in being just another seagull. Jonathan wants to learn how to fly low and fast like an airplane, but he is very unsuccessful in every attempt. His parents and friends continually tell him to abandon his foolish, impossible dream, because seagulls cannot fly low and fast. They tell him to be a simple member of the flock and stop trying to be different.
One night, alone and hurting after having crash-landed in the water following many futile attempts, he decides the others are right. He will discontinue this foolish venture. While flying home, occupied with the thought of being a normal big bird, he suddenly realizes he is flying in the dark. "Dark!" The hollow voice cracked in alarm. Seagulls never fly in the dark." Encouraged by this extraordinary achievement, Jonathan is again convinced he can also fly low and fast and, on the spot, renews his ambitious commitment, which he eventually does accomplish.
When we seek understanding but our efforts produce only discouragement, and when others say we're attempting to achieve something beyond our abilities, this Scripture gives us reassurance. For our worthwhile goals in life we pray and work, and confidently expect our God to bless the efforts of all who believe and persevere.
One night, alone and hurting after having crash-landed in the water following many futile attempts, he decides the others are right. He will discontinue this foolish venture. While flying home, occupied with the thought of being a normal big bird, he suddenly realizes he is flying in the dark. "Dark!" The hollow voice cracked in alarm. Seagulls never fly in the dark." Encouraged by this extraordinary achievement, Jonathan is again convinced he can also fly low and fast and, on the spot, renews his ambitious commitment, which he eventually does accomplish.
When we seek understanding but our efforts produce only discouragement, and when others say we're attempting to achieve something beyond our abilities, this Scripture gives us reassurance. For our worthwhile goals in life we pray and work, and confidently expect our God to bless the efforts of all who believe and persevere.
