We don't have to persist for life--we have to persist for now--and now is always the accepted time.~Graham Cooke

The moment.  I am often guilty of living behind or in front of "the moment," the now, in my life.  Last week, I continued to glance at the package sitting on the passenger seat of my car when I'd drive to work or go on errands.  Why hadn't I mailed it?  The large envelope contained the rough draft of the latest manuscript I'd written.  When I sealed the envelope, several thoughts ran through my  mind.  "If I look at one more page, I'll scream.  I'm sick of this material."  "I know the piece still needs work.  There will be a lot more revisions to make before publishing."  I drew myself into "the moment" and was able to declare, "This is part of the process.  You've given the manuscript all you have.  In this moment you let the editor do his job.  For now, your part is over.  Take the next step.  Mail the package, Priscilla.  Don't let it sit one more day.  It's time."

Sometimes I get tired of needing to persist.  To persevere feels too difficult.  My life is a pathway with many choices and distractions.  Failures.  Unexpected events.  Decisions.  Annoyances.  My responses can tend toward negativity, doubt, judgment of others, a critical nature, self-condemnation.  The shadowy places along the the trail.  I feel like giving up, my mind averted.  Too much introspection.  I am reminded to look outward, toward the light.  Allow the illumination of God's truths to consume me.  Walk in the light for this moment.

He is for me.  He is the majestic one who has laid the path.  Persist in the presence of His light.

There is such comfort for me in that light.  I notice the good-- like the sheer joy of laughing out loud with my daughter as we sit in a movie theatre.  Peals and peals of gladness.  The humor of life.  My granddaughter saying, "Oh, I love spending time with you; it's been the best part of my day."  The miracle of health.  My doctor walking into the exam room, smiling. "Good news.  Your labs are perfect."  Just this week, all that light.  All that beauty to soak up in the moment.  In the now.  And the celebration of persistance, the manuscript in the mail.  Not perfect, but good enough.

What about you?  Where are you now?  Where do you persist for just "the moment."  Stay in the light.  Stay in the light.