Perseverance

Perseverance:



It is one of those words which means a lot, but not necessarily evokes a lot of fun imagery. It is the image of a long distance runner. Just for the record, I always hated running in school. I liked short running (50 yard dash stuff), but in Junior high our PE class started us running the mile run or the 12 minute run. Those were awful. We would head out there with our class and I would start at my pace for a sprint and then I would get about 200 yards and be fully winded. I would be in front, but that was of limited benefit since I would then have to stop. I would walk, and then maybe jog. I might find someone to walk with for a while, and then finally in the last 50 yards I would run like I was “going for gold”, and when the dust settled. I would have ran a 12 minute mile. Yuck!
I just never got very good at being a distance runner. Often times, if I did run for distance it was because I had a lot of thinking and then I would go for a run, and find myself a mile or two away from home and then I would have to walk back. Goofy, and not a great image.
This, however, has been the correct image for the physical fitness program I have incorporated into the knighthood program I am working on with Josh and I. It is not a sprint. It is more of a marathon, although in my case it is more of a half marathon. We have been working physically on this for a month. I have lost 5.6lbs with another 8.6 left to go. It is not a fast track. It can’t be done overnight, but it can be done. My eldest son is still asleep so I don’t know where he is weighing in this morning. His inspiration level is significantly lower then mine. He likes the benefit of being healthy, but not the effort it takes to get there. This summer was different. He was motivated to succeed, but it is tougher presently. Yet, he has not given up. He continues to strive, sometimes in spite of himself. If he continues, and adopts some good lifestyle choices he will have himself in a good situation for the rest of his life. If he doesn’t, my genetics does not lend itself to naturally being slim and trim. He’s likely to go that way.
As I have mentioned before, the physical aspect of this is only one piece, but it is one that is easier to monitor then some of the others. We are working on building his spiritual growth and his character, both of which need some help. I think success is possible, but it won’t be without effort…and perseverance.