Persistence

 

There's a principle of persistence that applies to climbing mountains, but also to many other aspects of life. We all get tired, we "run out of gas," we get frustrated with delays, we despair of reaching our goal, we think the job will never end, we keep waiting for the weather to improve, we become frustrated with "enduring." We give up, and we probably never know if we stopped just short of the point of significant achievement. The most growth often comes at, and after, that point of fatigue.

I really appreciate the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. It was a favorite of Heber J. Grant and is often attributed to him, but he was quoting Emerson when he spoke it. It makes sense that we get more comfortable and competent at anything we persist in doing. Hard things become easier as we become practiced and proficient.

On the other hand, there is sometimes wisdom in not "running faster than we are able." Or running longer than we are able! There comes a point when a break, or a change of course or activity, or even a reconsideration of a goal, are all wise and prudent. I have occasionally stopped short of the summit of a mountain and been very grateful that I did. Knowing when that is appropriate is part of gaining wisdom in life.

I #GiveThanks for those times when I remember to persist, even though I'm tired, in order to achieve not only the goal but the growth that results in enduring.