Tie a Knot and Hang On

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."
​~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Lessons On The Track

Track and Field season is in full swing at my school, and we had our competition this week at a beautiful track at the local high school. Despite the rain, the students persevered and did their best to complete all the events to the best of their ability.

As I teach third grade, this was their first opportunity to participate in track and field, and the excitement was at an all-time high. I tried my best to offer every tip I could think of and even shared stories from my glory days in elementary school as a very competitive runner.

​It's hard to believe, but I was an exceptionally fast runner in my day, racking up a pile of first-place red ribbons and always landing a spot on the coveted relay team.

​One thing I feel I could have prepared them better for, though, is how far and long the 400m race actually is. Especially on the professional track, getting to the finish line seemed next to impossible for many.

Image by pvproductions on Freepik

During this race, my colleague and I were terrified to see a student collapse on the track. We ran over as fast as possible to assist and assess the situation.

There he was, laying on the track, spread eagle. We were understandably very concerned. Quickly, I realized it was one of my students and asked him what happened and if he was alright.

Much to my relief, he smiled and said, "I am just fine. It's just 400m is way too much for me!" Then he said the cutest thing next: "Maybe I will try 500m sometime though!" I was thankful he was okay and couldn't help but smile at his cute comment.

I helped him up, got him a much-needed drink, and told him how proud I was that he was willing to attempt something so challenging.

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Relating to My Student

You know, I can so relate to my student. So many times in life, when the going gets tough, I have wanted to drop out of the race and call it quits. When the finish line is nowhere in sight, or the task is way more than I signed up for, I have wanted for so many reasons to say, like they do on the TV show Shark Tank, "And for those reasons, I'M OUT!"

Is this resonating with you as well? If so, I am here for you, my sister or my brother.

​There are so many things in life that are much harder than we might have ever anticipated. These could include:

• Going to school
• Finding a job
• Finding a soulmate
• Having kids
• Raising kids
• Dealing with aging parents
• Navigating loss

The list goes on and on.

I don't know your situation. I would never want to minimize what you or anyone is going through, but I do know this:

​You are a lot stronger than you think.

I know this because chances are this is not your first rodeo with the tough times department, and congratulations—you have lived to tell about it and probably have helped others who are there now as well with what you learned in your time of trial.

When hard times come, look at all that you have already come through and know that you are still here. Remind yourself that hard times do not last forever and this too shall pass.

Know that you are not alone.

• You are NOT the only one struggling.
• You are NOT the only one who can't seem to get your life in order.
• You are NOT the only one who seems to be unable to cross the finish line.

On the contrary, you are in very good company with others who also struggle.

In fact, truth be told it is a very large team.

In Philippians 4:13, it says: "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

When we can't seem to hold on, we need to cling to the ONE who helps us hold on just a little longer. It could be for one more minute, hour, or day, depending on the situation.

​Also, remember just like the relay team, when we share the load with others, we all win and cross the finish line together.

Please don't give up. When you feel like giving up, tie a knot and hold on. Your breakthrough is coming, and the finish line could be much closer than you even realize.

Call to Action:

• Reflect this week about trials that you have already overcome.
• Remind yourself that you are still that same person.
• Recall what coping strategies and problem-solving steps you used to stay strong during that challenging time.
• Drop a comment below about advice you have for others.
• Reach out for help and know that your Heavenly Father is as close as the mention of His name.

​Meet you at the finish line! You got this!

Until next time,
Dana

​Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here.

Tags: perserverance, patience, don't give up, one day at a time, problem solving

Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She is dedicated to "loving God and loving people" with all her heart. With a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement, Dana makes a positive impact wherever she goes. She resides in Ontario with her husband and their two grown children.​