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. (Hebrews 12:1)

Perseverance n. 1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

I was all ready to write a high-brow, theologically dazzling post. But all that I have in my head is Dory's song in Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. La la la la la la, la, laaaa."
 
But you know, I think that actually sums it all up. Just keep running the race set before you. Sometimes it will be uphill, sometimes it will be downhill. The sun will shine, and you'll get rained on. You will want to give up and flop down on the side of the road and not move. You may be tempted to take a shortcut. You may look around and see that the other runners are thinner, younger, stronger, better-dressed. You may wonder why it would even matter if you just stopped. right. now.
 
But God put you here. He gave you this race to run. And He does nothing lightly. Even though we don't always understand His reasoning, know this: God has a plan for you. He laid out a path before you, and the only way to get to the end is to run. Not walk. Run. You won't always be able to run swiftly, but if you walk too leisurely, your time might run out and you will have missed getting to the end, and seeing the fruits of your labors.
 
So every morning, when all you want to do is roll back over and turn off the alarm, every afternoon when you want to just up and quit your job, and every evening when you wish you could just hide in your closet forever.... just keep in mind that you aren't doing this alone. People are watching you. You are an influence on others, for better or for worse. You have a calling and part of it is to live out God's grace, mercy, and strength.
 
And God is with you too, wiping the sweat from your brow and giving you a cool glass of water.
 
So just keep swimming.