There are people, in your life and mine, who are tenacious. When I think about the positive examples of tenacious in action, I think of one that left us before her time as well as another who is still with us. The latter has a birthday today. When I think about the two, and the hopes that I have had for both, one recurring prayer stands out; “Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last.” (Psalm 37.3)
I see hope more clearly because of the way this dream became real in their life. Challenges and obstacles were not deterrents, just something one needed to deal with. Small steps, taking on each barrier as it came, was their preferred approach. Each appeared to understand that realizing the dream often takes time.
As I think of their attitudes, words like resolute, firm, and persistent come to mind. I realize that many think these are words only exist in the company of a frown, but their examples remind me that one can smile, laugh, and enjoy life while still being tenacious. Life is always about living in the moment while reaching for one’s dreams.
As I think of the past and the future, I am reminded of the impact each has had on my life. Their courage is inspiring, especially when as I reflect on the burdens that each has had to carry. Life can be painful. Events are often out of our control. Even the best of intentions do not always work out in the end. With full awareness of these things, they courageously took another step, reaching for more.
I want to express my thankfulness by taking the best of their journeys and incorporating it into my own. I can embrace the way they accepted others to they met along the way. I can share the tenacious gifts of hope and courage I have received from them as they reach for their dreams. In doing these things, I hope others will be blessed in the way I have been.
