A moist frog is a happy frog! Deep in the rainforests of Central and South America, the tiny poison arrow frog lives out this truth—while also providing one of the most remarkable examples of perseverance in the natural world. Despite its size, this determined amphibian goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure the survival of its offspring, and from its actions, we can draw profound inspiration.
After an elaborate mating ritual, the female poison arrow frog lays 6-20 eggs in the damp leaf litter on the forest floor. But the real test begins when those eggs hatch. The male then carries the fragile tadpoles—often one at a time—on his back up to 20m into the rainforest canopy. There, he carefully places each one into a tiny reservoir of water held in the leaves of bromeliads. But his job isn’t done. If food is scarce, he will guide the female back to the pools to lay infertile eggs—nutritional lifelines for the developing young.
This determined care for the next generation offers a compelling metaphor for how we too can model perseverance. Just as the poison arrow frog endures hardship for the sake of its young, we are called to show resilience and commitment in nurturing those entrusted to us.
As caregivers, we foster perseverance by modelling resilience—letting children see how we respond to setbacks with grit rather than defeat. We can break down difficult tasks and guide them through, teaching them that challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones. When we focus on effort, not just results, we affirm their growth and remind them that success often follows struggle. And when we build a supportive environment, like those leafy bromeliads, we create safe places for our children to grow, take risks, and thrive.
Ultimately, our perseverance is not just for the here and now. As Christians, we are called to run our own race with endurance. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Hebrews 12:1–2 to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." Just as the poison arrow frog tirelessly climbs to secure life for its young, so too must we climb—with faith, love, and steady commitment to the One who leads us.
Mr Craig Vogel
Secondary Head of Science
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