cultivating virtue

perseverance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

How do we follow Christ on the path laid out for us, persevere and not falter? We are tired, nay, weary. Done. Finished. Exhausted. Bored. Distracted. Guilty. Ashamed. Prideful. Anything but faithful and persevering. The girls and I were discussing the Path and how we persevere to finish the race set before us. We sat and imagined a road laid out in front of us. To the right and the left temptations of all kinds in the form of desires, things, sin, friends, anything and everything. How easily we would come to a full stop when looking to and fro, distracted by all that surrounds us. How easily we could fall into sin and go in the wrong direction. "A short rest on the Path won't cause trouble" or "I could step from the Path for a moment and not lose my way." Perhaps. But my track record disproves this theory. I can't find my way back. I am too blind and flawed. Too weak. At the end of the Path is the goal. The prize. the pearl of great price. Jesus. Imagine if the distractions ceased and all that lies ahead is Jesus. My Jesus. I could walk and walk and not falter, because He is before me. Remembering His enduring love, His gift of life, His sacrifice on the cross would persuade me to endure until I reach His outstretched arms. I suggested to my girls that it is the turning of our head to the right and to the left, searching for fulfillment off the Path that does us in. Jesus is enough. Our head needn't turn, our eyes needn't wander. Satisfaction is found on the Path. We can finish the race.