Joy is found through perseverance

There is an innate desire for the easy. We want and expect the smooth, storm-free route. 

Imagine there are two paths.

The Valley Path is a short, straight 1 mile path, has sunshine, a very smooth road, beautiful trees lining the path, and a rainbow in the distance. The Path of Perseverance is 100 miles long, very curvy and rocky with storms brewing on each side of the path. You can’t see in the distance due to the terrain and darkness.

You have a choice for you life. Maybe, you are choosing for your child. Do you send them down The Valley or The Path of Perseverance?

Of course, we choose The Valley. We don’t naturally desire a path like The 

Path of Perseverance.

So, this is how we live. In fact, our expectations are The Valley. We push, pull, and fight to travel The Valley Path. We want to get to the rainbow fast. We want the success, the money, the title, the power, the prestige, quick, especially for our kids. We transfer and move our way through life trying to stay on The Valley Path. The desire is for life to be lived on easy street.

The reality of life is The Path of Perseverance. The road isn’t straight. In fact, there will be twists and turns and one day you will say, like David Byrne, “how did I get here?” The journey is rocky, messy, uncomfortable, and not necessarily fun. And, on the journey, storms are moving in and out. It seems that unforecasted storms consistently descend on the path. And, the future is unknown as too many uncontrollables exist.

The Path of Perseverance is reality and a journey like The Valley is unrealistic.

But, the truth is, we need The Path of Perseverance as this journey is where the joy is found.

If one does have a valley type journey, the rainbow is found to be a mirage. The world is full of these stories. In the end, there is no joy, no fulfillment, no peace.

But the hard, extremely difficult Path of Perseverance is where the treasure is found. The treasure is greater than money. The treasure is found in traversing life’s journey with others. People that have been through the storm together are a tight knit group. The treasure is found turning around and looking at the past journey, recognizing God’s plan, knowing that He was with you the whole time. The treasure is found recognizing that storms are but for a season. And, seasons have a beginning and ending.

Ultimately, joy is found traveling the Path of Perseverance.

Joy can only be discovered on the other side of perseverance. And, when discovered, you understand the treasure that perseverance really is in life. For, were it not for perseverance, ego would destroy the soul.

So, do you find yourself recognizing The Path of Perseverance? Of course you do. This is life.

So, lock arms with others, a spouse, a family, a team, and head down the Path of Perseverance. Joy awaits.

Impact others. Live generously.