“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” –Ephesians 1:16
My daughters love the animated movie, The Tale of Despereaux. This is a great movie based on the book of the same title by Kate DiCamillo. The book features a mouse, which becomes a hero of sorts, named Despereaux, a princess named Pea and a rat named Roscuro. These three character’s stories are brought together by soup.
This movie opens with the royal cook preparing a special soup for a dinner with the King and Queen. The staff is busily preparing this soup when the chef, who is referred to as a genius, dismisses everyone from the kitchen. It is then, through a little magic, that he is joined by another character, Boldo. Boldo is made up of a soup pot and vegetables. It is Boldo who helps the chef prepare his exciting dishes that are so beloved by the people.
My favorite line from this great movie is spoken just before Boldo and the Royal Chef complete their soup. The narrator reads, “It’s hard to be a genius all by yourself. In fact, sometimes it takes a little help.” No one else but the chef knew about Boldo. As far as everyone else was concerned the chef was virtuoso and his success was all due to him.
The reason I love this quote is because it recognizes a simple but profound truth for our lives. No matter how successful we may be, we did not get to where we are in life alone. We all have had people in our lives that have helped to make us who we are today. “It’s hard to be a genius alone.” As we set our goals for the next year I want to encourage you to take a moment and give thanks for the people in your life that have helped you to this point. We are not who we are all by ourselves, “sometimes it takes a little help.” I am grateful for everyone who has helped me in my life.
Rev. Keith King
