IN PRAISE OF PERSEVERANCE

Today, I am writing in praise of perseverance.  Perseverance is a trait that humans share with other animals, but it is humankind that has elevated it to a virtue.  It is one of the characteristics that I most admire in people.  When I was asked at the annual congregational meeting why I had a picture of Sir Winston Churchill on my computer desktop, I gave a long-winded, indefinite answer.  I should have just said, "perseverance".

All my life, I have observed the rewards of perseverance.  My Dad was a man who persevered in the face of many obstacles.  Looking back, I wonder how my Dad managed to harness his impatience to become so tenacious; I don't remember him ever giving up on anything he thought was important.  This was a lesson he passed on to all of his children.

When I joined the army at the age of 18, I quickly learned that determination was an important quality of leadership; we called it "selection and maintenance of the aim".  The idea was that, once a particular objective was decided upon, we maintained our focus on that goal until it was achieved.  On countless occasions during training exercises and on operational duty, I have experienced the morale-boosting, confidence-building effect of perseverance.  Determined people tend to carry others on their backs...figuratively and literally.

The actor John Wayne portrayed that quality of "grit".  In the wild, wild West, a person with "sand" was someone who didn't quit, who stuck by friends and honoured their word.  That was a long time ago - but I sometimes wonder if our daily lives and modern society might be better if more of us demonstrated steadfastness in the face of doubt, fear or adversity.

Like most things human, there is a shadow side to perseverance.  When it is unbalanced or un-tempered by reason and vision, it turns into obstinacy and inflexibility.  There is a fine line between a person of dogged determination and a stubborn fool.

There are many other words that convey the same quality of perseverance: resoluteness, persistence, diligence...you may have others in mind.  However you call it, in whatever measure it comes to you, may it be a blessing in your life. 

Peace and joy to all.

Pat