READ: ….Strengthened with all might, according to Hisglorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy….—Colossians 1:11
REFLECT: When I was a college student I needed to catch the only train that would take me to Chicago. My sister’s new baby was going to be christened the next day, and I was to be the godmother. I had made arrangements for a friend to drive me to the station, but I was running late! When we arrived, there was no train. “You missed it by about two minutes,”the station mistress said. “But you could try to catch the train at the next stop.”
“We’ll never make it!” I said, frowning. “Let’s try it,” Ken said, heaving my bag up on his shoulder.
“Oh, Ken,” I said, “it’s hopeless. Why bother?”
“Come on, Robin! I think we can do it.” We arrived at the next station just as the train was pulling in!
Before boarding, I turned to Ken. “Thanks for not giving up.”
That lesson comes back to me often: Always try.
PRAY: I was about to give up, God, but now I’m going to persevere. Please remind me of those two words—Always try—the next time, and every time, I’m on the verge of giving up.
DO: Share this reflection with a family member or friend and ask him/her to remind you of it when you’re about to make the mistake of giving up.
