Have you ever stood on top of a tall mountain? From the top you can see more and farther than you can below. On a mountain you are high above everything else. The view is spectacular, and it feels exhilarating. But in order to experience the mountaintop as Herby has, you must first make the decision to go up.
Have you ever had a “mountaintop experience,” when you felt really good, inspired, and triumphant? What would cause you to feel that way? What might you need to do to get there?
Climbing a mountain can be hard work, but the view and experience at the top is worth it. If there is something you want to accomplish, a dream you have, make the decision to go for it. Not only will the result be worth it, but so will the journey. It is available to all “who decide to make the climb.”
On July 4th, 1776, the British colonies in America declared their independence from Great Britain and formed a brand new nation called the United States of America. They fought a long war and many died because they wanted to be free from the oppressive laws and taxes forced on them by their king. They believed that people should be free to make their own decisions about how they live as long as they don’t harm each other, and that it was wrong to be forced to do what other people and the government wanted them to. Since then many people have enjoyed the ability to live free lives, and Herby is celebrating that freedom.
Why is it good for people to be free to live how they want to instead of being forced to do what someone else wants? Are you glad you are free? Why might other people want to control what people do?
Because of freedom, we have the ability to make choices about how we live our lives. Freedom allows you to choose what to do as you grow up, to follow your convictions and dreams, and to do and stand up for what you believe is right. Other people like your parents, teachers, and friends can help you make those choices, but the government and other people should not control, harm or rob you, just as you shouldn’t do these things to other people. Many people fought and even died so you could enjoy freedom, because people and governments often try to take it away. Appreciate the freedom you, your family, and your neighbors have, and “long live freedom!”
Sometimes we may want to do something that we’re not allowed to do or that is wrong. Perhaps it is eating something you’re not supposed to, cheating on a test, lying, or taking something that doesn’t belong to you. Just because we want to do it, doesn’t mean we have to or should. Herby really wants to eat Jeremy’s fish, but he knows he is not allowed. Thinking about the fish though isn’t helping him forget about it.
What do you do when you want to do something you’re not allowed to do or you know is wrong? Is it good to do everything we want to do, or is it better to keep ourselves from doing some things even if we want to do them?
There are a lot of things in life that we should not do because they hurt ourselves or other people. Fight against the desire to do these things. Get your mind off of the thing that you want to do, think about something else, and ask someone else to help you do the right thing. When you are tempted to do something wrong, you can “resist the urge!”
If someone is committed to something, such as school, a sport, their job, doing the right thing, a friendship, or a marriage between a husband and a wife, it means that no matter what, they’ve decided to stick with it and make it work, even when it’s hard and they don’t feel like it. Feelings can come and go, but as Red and his wife point out to Herby, commitment is what lasts.
How would you feel if someone was committed to being your friend no matter what? What are you committed to? Are there people or pursuits in your life that you can be better committed to?
When we are committed, we can do remarkable things, like be able to play a musical instrument, or we can help other people and enjoy positive, long-lasting relationships with them. We can’t commit to everything, but once you are committed to something or someone, stick with it and don’t quit. It may be hard work, but the results are worth it. It’s the secret to making it “through thick and thin.”
When people say something happened that actually didn’t, or do something wrong and do not admit it, they are being dishonest. Sometimes we may not feel like telling the truth because we may not like the possible outcome. Herby doesn’t seem very happy to tell Jeremy the truth about eating his fish because he’s afraid he might get in trouble.
Do you find it difficult at times to be honest with others? Why is it important for people to tell the truth? If you found out someone lied to you, would you wonder if you could trust them the next time?
Being honest makes it possible for other people to believe and trust you, plus it feels good to not have to ever worry about being caught telling a lie. Most importantly, though, telling others what actually happened or what you’ve done wrong is the right thing to do. So be a person that tells the truth, even if “the truth hurts.”
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