Elder and Sister Craig on a Mission

>
> CLIFF YOUNG
>
> Don Davis, a good friend, first introduced me to Cliff Young of
> Australia - a man who has since passed away but will certainly
> never be forgotten. I would encourage each of you to Google his
> name and you can read (and Utube) the whole fascinating story but
> indulge me to share just a piece of his story to teach a lesson or
> two that should inspire all of us - no matter our age or interest.
>
> Cliff was 61 when he became famous. He was a rancher and had kept
> his sheep 'in the fold' without the benefit of a jeep or a horse
> but only his two good legs. He entered, for the first time, one of
> the most grueling races on the planet - nearly 1000 kms (600
> miles), running from Sydney to Melbourne usually a seven day race.
> Only top athletes - and in prime condition - even considered
> running this professional race. When Cliff showed up to run, he
> was scoffed at as he arrived in Coveralls and ranch boots covered
> with goulashes (in case it rained).
>
> The race began and Cliff was last for some time but near the end of
> the 5th day he passed the frontrunner and finished the race in just
> over five days and broke the course record by over nine hours. He
> didn't know he was supposed to stop and sleep so he just kept
> running and running - the Young Shuffle became as famous as
> Cliff. Everyone stopped laughing and Australia fell in love with
> Cliff Young. He was awarded $10,000 which he didn't expect and
> gave it away to the last five runners who got $2,000 each. The
> next year, at 62, he ran again but he suffered a dislocated hip,
> bad knees and shin splints that nearly 'did him in'...but he still
> finished 7th and received a new car, not for winning, but for being
> the most inspirational runner. He immediately gave it away. He
> wasn't in this for the money.
>
> He ran because he wanted to.
>
> He was dang good at it.
>
> Lesson Time:
>
> There are no limits on what we can achieve - we limit ourselves
> with our fears, our lack of faith in ourselves and with bad
> information. Cliff Young didn't know he was supposed to stop and
> sleep. He didn't know he had to wear Nike's to win. He didn't
> know that anyone running 600 miles had to be young and
> professionally trained.
>
> If we REALLY accepted the Atonement and REALLY knew who we were
> foreordained to become we would stop putting brakes on our
> potential and unleash the Godhood Gifts, most often which lay
> hidden in each of us.
>
> We need to challenge ourselves to DO better; to THINK better; to
> PONDER better; to READ better and more; to WRITE more, then better;
> to SHARE more and then READ some more; IMAGINE ourselves winning
> races; ENTER some races; dislocate a few hips; push our knees to
> the limit and fight through the pain of pushing our limits. Most of
> the time we live in envy of those who 'have' instead of asking how
> they got it and putting together a plan for how we too can push our
> limits of achievement. We fear the unknown and usually avoid it.
>
> Tomorrow morning I'm having a talk with Betty (my girls bike with
> the basket on front) about our mediocre performances. We can DO
> BETTER. We may not be Lance Armstrong, but Betty and I are just
> five years older than Cliff Young when he began his overnight climb
> (I mean five day climb) to the top and I think we can DO better.
> If Cliff can run 600 miles with shin splits and a dislocated hip,
> Betty and I can surely do one more lap around the Big Circle or
> stop needless spending or read more scriptures or do better home
> teaching - in fact I can't think of anything I can't do better.
>
> Anyone join me?
>
> Bro Jim