This photo from my backyard always makes me smile: a pansy in bloom in the middle of the patio. A few months later I found 2 petunias sprouting through the concrete block! The perseverance evident when the natural world collides with the human made world is an inspiration. Nature pushes through - it finds ways to thrive even in the midst of less than ideal situations.

 In a world where we are inundated with seconds long sound bites, flashy messages about quick fixes and constant suggestions that there is something wrong with us if we aren't achieving our goals in brief time periods, perseverance is often an underappreciated value.  

Perseverance is about continuing on an identified path even when we are facing difficulty or opposition. It means waking up each morning and re-dedicating ourselves to walk the journey before us. Perseverance is about being ready to face into whatever life brings today. It means knowing at the end of the day that we did our best ...for today...and we will try again tomorrow. 

• Is there a specific area in your life where intentional perseverance would be helpful?
• What would be the benefits of persevering?
• How might you increase your ability to persevere?