FLEAS

Athlete Roger Bannister ran the first 4-minute mile in 1954. Doctors said it couldn't be done because the human heart would explode with that kind of exertion. A few weeks later, a second runner did the same thing. (We don't remember his name, do we?) Then, one by one, more and more people began doing it. Roger Bannister just had to do it first.

Did humans suddenly evolve the ability to run faster? Did their hearts suddenly grow stronger to allow it? Hardly. What changed was the level of expectation. What we believed to be impossible was now proven to be possible.

The story is told about flea training. Put some fleas in a jar and close the lid. They'll pop up against the lid in an effort to escape - for about 2 hours. Once they're convinced they can't get out, you can remove the lid. With a perfectly clear path to freedom, the fleas remain in the jar and starve to death.

Who do you know who tried something once - and failed - only never to try it again?

What artificial barriers have you placed in your life? Have you convinced yourself something is impossible for you or out of your reach? Is it really out of reach, or might it just be beyond your present level of belief?

And be blessed.