I was reminded by life and my own frailties that I have not yet arrived at the level of faith, determination, and confidence that I preach as a possibility.

It was a minor thing, but it pointed to major implications.

The line that divides victory from defeat is sometimes thin. It can be as thin as a decision to take the next step, to try, or to try again.

It was a number of piles of brush from tree trimming. I did not think they would all fit in one load. That is something because I am always willing to squeeze another bit of something into a load.

I told my wife that I thought we had a full load. There was at least as much left in the yard.

Then I quit for the day.

Today, I decided to tackle it again and I got it all in.

I am ashamed. I should be father a long in the exercise of belief.

But the shame only goes slightly deep. I know that I still have some growing to do

The first step on the road to doing something may be passing through the gateway that it marked with a sign that says, "It can't be done."

To get to the place where that sign no longer grabs or attention will require passing through the gate again and again and doing, or at least attempting, what cannot be done.

BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST