Persistance Pays

Alex is nothing if not persistant. Sometimes this does not seem so good...like when he tries to wear you down for something he wants...but today his persistance was very good. Every morning we travel the same way to school and we come to a stop sign where a little boy about eleven years old is waiting for the bus. One morning a couple of months ago, Alex being Alex waves at the little boy. Michael being Michael says "don't wave at him, he is a stranger" Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2 Alex quickly says "The Bible says that we are supposed to love everyone, right momma" By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 I said yes, and we had a discusssion on the difference between witnessing and talking to strangers. When Alex waved at the little boy, he just stared at him. This has gone on for several months. Every morning at 7:30 we drive by him and Alex waves frantically at him and the boy would stare at him or look away. I guess he was either embarrassed or too cool to wave back. Until today. We drive by...Alex waves and the boy WAVES BACK!!! Alex was so excited...he waved at me momma!!! Alex never gave up. Even when he would get upset or discouraged, the very next morning he would wave again. We can learn something from that. How often do we give up on something or someone after just a couple of tries. How often do we say "oh, he'll never wave at me." How often do we let satan get a foothold and tell us that perseverance is not worth it. 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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 I hope that as I am faced with situations and people that I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith and know that perseverance is worth it. I hope that I know this race is worth a little heartache and discouragement...I hope that I will see the big picture... I hope that I will remember that Jesus did not give up...He did not just take a couple of beatings and change His mind or decide that we are not worth it. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 He persevered all the way to the grave and then rose victoriously. Thank You Jesus and thank You that once again I learn such a valuable lesson from one of my children. He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4