Steadfast Convictions

“Let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.” (Galatians 6:9 MSG)

Today my husband completed his first year of streak running. The official definition of a running streak is to run at least one mile (1.61 kilometers) within each calendar day. He is now registered on the Streak Runners International registry. It has been interesting to observe the changes in his mindset over the last year.  

During the first few weeks of daily running, he was less committed to the process. He would be hesitant to run on days when he was tired, busy, or when the weather was uncomfortable. As the chain of consecutive days mounted up, he became more invested. He remembered all that he had come through thus far and refused to give up. He ran after overnight shifts at the hospital. He ran when he was sick. He ran the day after a marathon when he was in pain. He kept going, even through rain, ice, snow, heat, and storms. 

Steadfast convictions have their own momentum. Each good choice acts as a foothold in the ascent. The longer you invest in something, the less likely you are to give up on it. You have experienced unfavorable circumstances, fatigue, criticism, self-doubt--but you didn’t quit. The more obstacles you have overcome to get where you are, the more determined you become to keep going forward. Just as moral compromises can lead you down a slippery slope, noble convictions can propel you uphill. Your values and perspective are transformed. You see yourself differently: You are no longer a person who takes the easiest path. Now you choose the honorable path, even when it is hard. Once you see yourself as disciplined, consistent, unique, enduring, tough, resilient, and persevering--it takes a lot more to knock you down.