An Example in the Character Strength of Persistence

"Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it. "
Oprah Winfrey

Today I observed a group of teenage boys exemplify the character strength of persistence. You see, I had the "opportunity" to go hiking with my son and his Boy Scout buddies..., 30 degrees Fahrenheit..., 11 miles through rocky terrain... With so many teenagers living a life of "couch potatoes" not willing to do anything difficult, not willing to exert any effort, I was so proud of these kids. We hiked for six hours in the cold and not a single one complained. They simply kept on walking, joking and chatting with each other, looking at deer tracks, and soaking in nature. Some people naturally have this strength, while others lack it. However, we can all benefit from strengthen it within our abilities. We can also pray to God for this gift.

Persistence is a character strength that helps us finish what we start (kind of important, don't you think?). It helps us persist in our course of action in spite of obstacles. People that naturally have this strength actually get pleasure from completing tasks, meaning they not only enjoy the actual outcome, they enjoyed the fact that they had to overcome something difficult. This strength is also called perseverance and industriousness. Persistence is associated with the spiritual virtue of Fortitude.

How did I do today? I did OK with the cold, but had to push through my physical limits. Around mile 7 I got a blister on my heel. Then my left knee started hurting, then my left hip, then the same situation on my right leg. Every time I would feel sorry about myself i would think of Jesus carrying His cross while wearing a crown of thorns. This was nothing compared to that, so I would keep on trucking. I finished the hike, with gratitude for the strength of persistence and a chance to spend time with my son.

"He that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved." Mt. 24:13

Technorati Tags: Perseverance, Persistence, Virtues and character strengths

Comments

[Lorna]

Hector

THANK YOU for the comment you made yesterday. God used it powerfully as a key to unlock something in me this morning and I'm so thankful that you wrote what you did.

It might even be that what you wrote was to encourage me that I'd done the right thing, but actually God showed me my priorities were - in this instance - wrong, because my heart was wrong, more like Judas than Mary :(

I bless you in His Mighty Name!

[angie]

Very nice! You survived! Thanks for the encouragement and reminder to push forward. I can imagine it was very nice to be outside in beautiful nature and to be surrounded by the excitement of youth and positivity! Thanks for sharing the experience! God Bless!

[Hector]

Lorna,
I'm glad that my comments helped you think things through. I wasn't sure if your decision was right or not, since I don't know what else was on your plate and how meaningful was this party, but I'm gald that it was helpful. God uses all of us to spark certain thoughts and move our hearts.

[Hector]

Thanks for your cooment angelina. Surrounded by youth? I thought I was one of the youth... :)