Sunday, February 11, 2007

The Little Engine That Could


The Little Engine That Could was written by Watty Piper. The original version was printed in 1930 and has been a children's (and adults) favorite story ever since.

The story begins with the mighty red engine pulling the cars full of toys toward the town with all the little boys and girls. The red engine stopped working and could not move forward another foot. A shiny new engine, a passenger engine, and a freight engine all passed by and would not help. They all had personal reasons. Then a little engine came by and offered to help. Although he did not have the recognized qualities of all the other engines he offered his help. The little engine put forth his best effort every inch of the way. Due to his persistence, determination, step-by-step actions, and positive thinking, the little engine made it up and over the mountain top. All the little children in the town woke up to see and have all the toys and good things to eat.

I remember this story being read to me as an elementary school child and then checking it out of the school library. This story has influenced my way of thinking as well as doing. Against all odds and against the cry of one's peers the little engine knew he had to do something. This little engine had a purpose, had a vision, enlisted others, and encouraged others as well as encouraged himself.

During those long periods of times when the road has been littered with obstacles, this story comes to mind. When one believes in the abilities within anything is possible. I have overcome many mountains and have scaled many walls because of the little engine that could.

AR Quiz: 100%

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