Perseverance
Definition: the act or power of continuing to do something in spite of difficulties
How did Simone Biles persevere?
You might say, wait, she decided not to participate in multiple events, so how is that persevering?
Actually, she was persevering in a secret gym in Tokyo, working with her coach to try to relearn how to do gymnastics in a week.
And she was able to earn a bronze for her performance on the beam, the same medal she got for the event in Rio. Her smile said it all-she did it! She ended the Olympics with a beautiful performance, one that she had to fight for body, mind, and soul.
How do we persevere in taking care of our own body, mind, and soul? What have we learned from the past week that has really changed us and put us on a different track?
Instead of fighting reality or being in denial or trying to avoid something, this week gave me an opportunity to tackle things head on, to say I don’t know in order to learn and improve. I actually don’t have a super difficult time saying I don’t know but I had to say I don’t know a lot this week. In Vacation Bible School, thanks to our amazing leaders Jennifer, Nick, and Rachel, we made koliva & holy bread and painted icons. I don’t know how to make a traditional dish (but I do now). I don’t know how to make holy bread (but I do now). I didn’t know about the certain order of icons in church, but I do now!
The boy in this photo doesn’t know how to read or write very well yet in English, never mind other languages, but he paid attention and persevered to create something he can be proud of!
The principle is being okay with saying I don’t know how, but I will learn. Simone had to figure out how to do what she loves within her constraints. She had to take out all the twisting elements in her routine and get back to the basics. Maybe it’s time for me to get back to the basics, too.
Although my ego may want to twist, I need to face reality and do what I need to do to be safe. For example, I may want to spend money a certain way but as a single mom of three, I need to get back to the basics after a fun summer. I may want to show off but it’s better to show myself that I can be an obedient discipline and be a good steward.
God is so good and my family is so generous but I also need to be cognizant of what I am teaching my kids.
Am I teaching them to be resourceful? To wait? To be brave AND wise? If not, I can start now.
And I can continue with the good habits I have already set up.
They are super sweet kids and I want to reward them, but within reason. Especially with back to school shopping, it’s important for me to remember to prioritize the content of their character, not the coolness of their first day outfits. Cuz they really are prioritizing those outfits lol!
And it’s hard to persevere in being a good steward. However, the benefits of being a good steward of our minds and our bodies— our most important resources—will outweigh everything else. By doing what is right, we can have peace and purpose. But doing the right thing can be so hard! We don’t want to let anyone down. We don’t want to disappoint our kids, for example. However, that amazing thing you want me to buy for you is not worth me losing my peace of mind!
When the going gets tough, we need our family and friends (our coaches) to encourage us to stick to the right path, to persevere despite temptations. And to forgive ourselves when we mess up, being so grateful for the chance to start anew.
Simone Biles encouraged us to face reality and take the time to take care of ourselves. With God’s grace and our loving support systems, we can persevere and be victorious, just like her!