Happy Landing

Perseverance

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,

having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

(James 1 vs. 12)

            Perseverance is life. We need to persevere in many ways and the easiest is through meditation, prayer and faith that the Lord will bring us through life. We hope for life without illness or discomfort; always having a job; a life partner to share things with; and the list goes on. In other words, we want to be born to live happily ever after! That would not build character.  As I write this in beautiful Minnesota, we are in the in the middle of winter. Some winters we cancel outdoor events because there is no snow, the ice is not safe on the lakes and because it is too warm! This we are having a character-building winter!

            We will get through it and when spring comes it will be later than usual and appreciated more. We will experience growth and appreciation of warmer times. In 1974, when we moved here, our real estate agent talked about our beautiful Minnesota summers and said they were worth the wait. Praise be to God; we need help this year!

            There is a church that I drive by that posts a weekly slogan that describes it very well. I do not know the author, but it said something like “Life is not about having a bumpy flight. It is about having a happy landing!” We need to keep our faith to persevere on our bumpy ride. The best part will be the landing!

Thought for Today: Today will be the first day of the rest of our lives. Let us be spiritual and use it well.

Prayer for Today: Dear Father, we are experiencing a very bumpy ride. We have concerns about money, pollution, terror and more. Today we give thanks for having the spirit and will to get through it all so that we may experience the landing. Amen