Remain Steadfast

Mom agreed to have a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast again yesterday so that I could try my hand at a polar bear one more time. This time, I had more success. She only had soup for lunch so only one Culinary Creation for your viewing pleasure today. I don't do Sculptural dinners. My creative juices have run dry by then. But I make healthy, visually attractive dinners. Last night it was chicken cordon bleu with stir fried mixed vegetables.

It was another beautiful day to cross-country ski in between mom's therapy sessions. The sun poked through the snow clouds and sent rays shining down in the way that always makes me think of God.

Poor Mom is being subjected to several professionals giving her exercises and a "to do" list on how to get stronger and be as independent as possible. Then I nag her all day to follow through. Most of the time, she smiles and does it, but she doesn't love the exercises. It is often hard and frustrating, though she is doing much better than anyone expected.

I gave her my speech about how much I struggled at the start of my three weeks here with cross-country skiing. I remember when I could ski for hours with no trouble. I never fell down, and felt relatively graceful. However, the past three decades of very little practice (one rarely gets cross-country ski conditions in Charlotte, NC), my skills and endurance have deteriorated.

Three weeks ago, I started my daily ski jaunts while here helping Mom recuperate. I was tired after ten minutes! I felt shaky, and fell a lot. It just wasn't much fun. Now, after three weeks of skiing again, I can't believe the difference. I am not as good or as strong as I was 30 years ago, but I am getting better. Daily exercise and work tend to make hard things easier...even habitual.

Thus it is with our walk with God. We can become weak, and stumbling. We tire easily in the trials of life, and even lament that we just can't go on. It is too much effort and all we want to do is rest where we are. I think God breaks open the clouds and shines down on us the more we persevere, move forward, and struggle harder to know and follow the path He has set before us. And the more we do it, the easier it becomes to do it. The more we rely on Him, the more we find relief in Him. Seeking Him becomes easier...even habitual. Our spiritual muscles become stronger.

The reward? Heaven awaits, the journey's end where we can finally rest having finished the race. Angels applaud, and Jesus leans near, whispering, "Well done."

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Romans 5:3-4 

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

James 1:12-18 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ...

Hebrews 10:36 

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.