Dear Golden Eagle family,
2020 has been quite a challenging year. We faced a pandemic, civil unrest, political tensions, and much more. Who would have thought that all these Hollywood movie-themed kind of situations would have happened in our lives? As a result, we all are going through challenging situations without knowing what will happen next. Reviewing the news every morning is already stressful enough to start the day.
When we opened Golden Eagle TKD, I shared one of my favorite bible verses with my family Isiah 40:31;
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I found so much encouragement through this verse, and I remind myself of it daily, so I even displayed it in our gym wall, Isaiah 40:31.
Think about this. The verse says that they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. I wondered why this sentence made it sound like walking (Faint) was harder than running (Weary). I discovered that sometimes running is easier than walking. It is easier to resolve one big problem on a daily basis than facing smaller constant challenges that require patience. One must head down on a walking journey that can make you faint.
Because if we are not careful, it is easy to contaminate our heart;
If we are not careful, all the bad news that we read through the broadcast in the morning can cause anxiety and desperation.
If we are not careful, our love for our country can turn into hatred based on each part of the political ideologies.
If we are not careful, we don’t see or appreciate the blessing that we still have in our lives because daily challenges make us bitter and tired.
Yes, sometimes It is more challenging for prolonged walking than short running. Imagine if we as adults feel like this, then how much more our children would suffer by facing these challenging situations? It doesn’t matter how old they are. They know what is going on, and they feel what we feel.
This past week, after Thanksgiving dinner, we pulled out our Xmas tree, and I saw my kids decorating, talking, laughing, and finding old Christmas tree ornaments that they made from the elementary school projects. I heard, “Look at this, mom, dad! Look what I found!” I was watching them and found myself in heaven.
Regardless of all these threats that we face in our lives, if we open our eyes and look around, we can find so many things to be thankful for. Let’s not get frustrated with the little things; instead, let’s focus on the many blessings. Let us give thanks to God for all of His blessings by the end of this year.
Let’s walk, and we will not be faint.
Master Um
Headmaster
