Start or Stop?
Our patient, Angelo, is a super athlete, a long distance bike racer, who has accomplished what many never dreamed of. He had an appointment scheduled at our chiropractic office one day, but left a message that he wouldn’t be able to make it. It seems that while on a practice run with 20+other bikers, he was hit and dragged by a bus, severely injured. Remarkably, he had called us from his hospital bed, but he has no memory of calling. After extensive surgery, he needed to learn how to walk again. It seemed that bike riding was out of his future.
But not for Angelo.
That was over a year ago, and he is back in training. At his visit to our office yesterday, he expressed his concerns with getting back in the race. Then I overheard him say, “But I have the gear.” Yes, but he also had the fear. As his muted conversation continued, I overhead him again. “It’s the start that stops most people.”
I’m not one for eavesdropping, especially on patient’s care. These were after-adjustment conversations with open doors. And I’m so glad his words drifted my way. I was so inspired by his outlook that I asked if I could write about and quote him.
He gave credit to Dr. Rob Gilbert for the start-stop quote*, and shared his favorite Gilbert quote: “The ten most powerful two letter words – If it is to be, it is up to me.”* And he added one more quote for good measure: “If you have the power to start it, you have the power to finish it.” That did it for me!
Angelo embodied this wisdom in his sport. And in his life.
I want to embody it in my life, too.
For years, my fears kept me on the sidelines. When I became a parent, my boldness grew a bit because, as a mama bear, I fiercely advocated for my children. I wouldn’t necessarily take steps for myself, but I’d go to the moon and back for them. Now as an empty-nester and certified late-bloomer, I’m starting projects that would have stayed buried years ago.
Most times, I can be a pretty good starter. It’s the finishing that tangles me. So although “it’s the start that stops most people,” I’d say for me, “it’s the start of the finish that stops me”. Clearly, I’m no Dr. Rob Gilbert when it comes to inspiring quotes.
But now to take these words of wisdom and to apply them.
For me to do so requires both personal practice as well as the presence of God. If I strive in my own strength, I will soon be defeated. But partnering with the Lord provides strength beyond my own. His Spirit not only brings to mind what He would have me do, He also provides the power to do it. The Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power (2 Tim. 1:7). It is up to God to do the heavy lifting. It is up to me to be obedient.
With several projects of widely varying subjects, I hardly know where to start and where to focus. But for any of these projects to come to completion – if it is to be, it is up to me – and He!
Are you stuck? Either with not being able to start? Or not being able to finish? Please comment so that I can pray for you. And let’s encourage one another!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11
*additional research credits the quotes as follows:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.” William Johnsen
“It’s the start that stops most people.” Don Shula
What a great testimony! Thanks for sharing Angelo’s story. The hardest part of any journey is the decision to start. But once you do that ~ it’s a upward climb. My son once told me, while he was in boot camp for the Air Force, “Mom, it’s just a mindset.” That’s it right there, I got to set my mind to get started and run the race. ((Hugs))
Angelo is definitely an inspiration. And he’s so humble, but definitely has the mindset.
Awesome post, Susan! I have several projects that I’m determined to finish this year. Thanks for the encouragement and may God give you the focus you need to see your projects through to completion.
Thank you Bernadine! May God direct us both, and may we be obedient in our response ;D
What a great quote. I do start projects, but I have a hard time to finish them. Sometimes things happen that I didn’t account for, like my hubby getting really sick.
Iris, I’m so sorry about your husband. We often have things we don’t plan on, but take comfort in that God knows it all beforehand, and He’s ok with our delay on “our” projects. When we get off track, it’s only ever one step to get back on track. Praying for your hubby’s quick recovery.