Finding Happiness in Perseverance

There is such a deep and lasting happiness when we stay the course and achieve difficult tasks despite the obstacles. Whether it is overcoming an addiction, really going deep in the exercises of St. Ignatious, or caring for an elderly parent, we all need to know that we can overcome barriers in life in order to live with fulfillment. In fact, I may have read that a possible contributor to the epidemic of depression is that so much is given to us without any effort.

Angie and I and the kids spent the weekend in Cleveland. We had a wonderful time walking around the city, visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and enjoying time together. Angie and I also competed in Cleveland's half marathon this weekend and finished better than we had hoped for. We had to "walk-through" some minor aches and pains, and do the half the race under torrential rain and temperature in the 50s (F). As we did the last few miles the sun came out, it became a beautiful morning, and we finished exhausted and fulfilled. As always, the most inspiring athletes for me are those in the wheelchairs. I even saw a lady running the marathon at full speed with a prosthetic leg. They could have been miserable at home given their condition. Perhaps some did for sometime. But they overcame their feelings of sadness and limitations to become great athletes inspiring us to move forward and showing us the meaning of perseverance.

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Comments

[Essy]

Thanks for the inspirational post...I needed a lift today. I seem to be running my own 'marathon' lately...but being from Boston and all...I think I'm hitting 'heartbreak hill' here at the moment. However, I know the importance of keeping 'the finish line' in focus.

“Therefore let us also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, put away every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and run with endurance the race which is set before us”
(Hebrews 12:1)

[R]

Yes, thanks for the inspiration. Sticking with it is very difficult. I will try again today!!

[sally]

Just found your blog- (via Lorns - she is my spiritual twin!)thank you so much for this inspirational post, just what I needed to read...

[Suzanne]

Beautiful, Hector! How have you been? Sounds like fine. We are planning a northern Ohio vacation this year. There really is alot to see up there and it isn't terribly far away. How did you like the R & R Hall of Fame?

[Hector]

Suzanne, sally, Renne, and Essy, I'm glad that this post was able to help you through the day. The hall of fame was fun. My teenage kids loved it. We probably spent half a day there...