T.R.

My dad just lent me a biography of Teddy Roosevelt. It's not David McCullough's Mornings on Horseback. It's a large 500+ tome written by Nathan Miller. I'm up to the part where T.R. has just begun his political career as a New York assemblyman. The Roosevelt family was extremely impressive. T.R.'s father, nicknamed Thee, was a formidable figure in his son's life. The whole family was very close and their father supported his children in anything they were interested. Their mother grew up only miles from my house in Roswell, Georgia, and last year I visited her childhood home on a field trip with the kids.

If a person today only accomplished what T.R. did before the age of 23, they would've lived more than a full life. He exuded zeal and enthusiasm in everything he attempted. I was surprised to learn that he had no formal schooling until his father decided he should go to Harvard. But as he grew up, his father provided him with numerous opportunities to learn. One year they went on an extended trip to Egypt and the Middle East. His father chartered a houseboat and they travelled up the Nile slowly while learning all they could about the history and culture. I'd say that was homeschooling at its best!

I've been really inspired reading about the determination and enthusiasm of T.R. There is no mention of whether he believed in Christ, and if he didn't, I would think that should convict me. For if this man had such confidence and determination without knowing Christ, shouldn't I have even more? The Lord Almighty is my God, and he is on my side as my helper (Ps. 118). There is nothing that can separate me from the love of God and I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I'm reminded of this quote by William Carey - "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."