Good Monday Morning!

I hope you had a pleasant and restful weekend!

I had the opportunity this week to contemplate courage, resilience, and other mindsets that vitalize the pursuit of excellence. These traits appear in influential leaders, those on a mission to model compassion and empathy, and many who overcome self-doubt and self-debasement to reach their goals. It’s fascinating to me how each positive quality contributes to overall perseverance that renders triumph.

Many attribute successes to recognizing opportunities at just the right time. Others note that it only takes the courage to utilize our talents. Still, others believe we can’t reach goals on one try but must work diligently and selflessly, continuing to get up when we fall. I was looking into the various definitions for perseverance and found this quote from H. Jackson Brown:

Perseverance by Earl E. Appleby, Jr.

H. Jackson Brown is an American author most widely known for his New York Times Best Sellers Life’s Little Instruction Book and Life’s Little Instruction Book – Volume II.

We think of natural elements, such as streams and rocks, as the very definition of strength. But each element holds a different kind of power. We talk about things, and something people, as being hard as a rock or a raging river. We even have children’s games like Rock-Paper-Scissors to gauge someone’s strength or skill. Have you ever heard someone referred to as having a head as hard as a rock or taking over everything in his or her path like a raging river? One represents a strength that is unshakable and the other unstoppable.

Sometimes rocks can be moved to form new structures like a wall or boundary. And, sometimes, a river or stream can be gentle yet still occupy ground that may not have meant to be overcome in the original plan. Perseverance may take a bit longer, but the results or wait might render something new and innovative or solve a difficult challenge. Maybe with perseverance, we can finally reach a pinnacle that has eluded us for a long time.

We find these thoughts in Scripture:

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV)

“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

However we view it, perseverance builds character and allows us to gain insight that assists us in living a balanced life. It helps us stick to our health plan, spend more contemplative time, and create more effective boundaries and priorities. We are enriched through the process of perseverance in many tangible and intangible ways.

I’m confident there’s something that requires perseverance this week. Embrace the process and increase your character and strength. This week may be the week that you become unshakeable and unstoppable!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda