Perseverance is a Must in Growth and Development

Seeing someone take a next step is exciting to me. I actually want to celebrate for them (and many times I do). An amazing jolt of energy rises in me when I’m privileged to witness someone’s development no matter how big or small the development. Recently I’ve been honored to personally see people taking next steps in their own growth and development.

True Story Ahead

One little person has brought a whole new dimension to my life. My grandson has rocked my world. Every day is a new adventure with him.

Last night, my son and daughter-in-law shared a video with our family of little James practicing something he’s been working on for a while now. Watching my son encourage his little “buddy” to roll over from his back to his tummy brought tears to my eyes.

Then I hear my daughter-in-law behind the camera videotaping this practice session. She’s cheering James on, patiently waiting for him to try, and try again, and try again. He gets so close, but rolls backward again to his back. Then this little boy lets out a loud baby sound. I swear he said, “Oh Jeez!”

Daddy encourages again. Baby James turns toward his daddy, swings his legs and arms toward him, rocks a little, teeters more, all while mommy is probably tightening her whole body just waiting for that moment. Will he succeed?

Growth and Development

Growth and development take practice. Lots of practice. Usually when we’re developing, we don’t succeed on our first try. But if we don’t give up and we keep trying, we get one step closer to succeeding.

Perseverance is a must in growth and development. In fact, in Romans 5:3-4 God gives us a mathematical equation about the significance of perseverance.

Suffering + Perseverance = Character

“We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Without powering through our sufferings, we’ll never have perseverance. Without perseverance we’ll never obtain character. Our development depends on our suffering and perseverance.

The Roll-over

Lots of practice. Lots of encouragement. Lots of patience. It all paid off last night when Baby James tipped the teeter and landed on his tummy on his fourth try! Bravo James! Grandma is cheering for you!

Today, I was told James won’t stop rolling all around the floor. Back and forth he goes over and over again. His new development is going to take him to whole new dimension too.

His daddy and mommy, well, they couldn’t be more proud of their little boy. What an accomplishment for all three of them.

What a joy for me to get to be a witness to not just one person’s development, but three!

I’m witnessing my son and daughter-in-law growing and developing into amazing parents who encourage with great patience and joy. James’ parents are growing and developing every day because of him. And then there’s sweet Baby James, our little rolling machine. Now that’s exciting!

So, the next time you feel like giving up after the third attempt, think of Baby James when on his fourth try succeeded! Don’t believe the old saying, “Three times you’re out!” I say, keep trying. Persevere. Your own growth and development depend on it (and probably the development of others too.)