It may take little time to get where you want to be, but if you pause and think for a moment, you will notice that you are no longer where you were. Do not stop—keep going.”  Rodolfo Costa

They were snuggled like three adorable caterpillars in sleeping bag cocoons on my living room floor. The faint fragrance of buttered popcorn hung around, wistfully whispering “these are the moments to cherish.” Christmas lights strung around the plump, freshly cut Fraser created a kaleidoscope of color on their sleepy faces. Theodore, the youngest, clutched a stuffed fox, a fox so bedraggled no one would question the great love the boy had for the noseless pet. He reached his free arm above his head, and once satisfied that his toy trucks were still there, rolled over on his side. “Gamma, I yike you. I yike sleepovers at your house.”

He’s a charmer for sure, that boy.

His words led to an outcry of praise from his slightly older siblings. “I love you, Grandma.  I’m happy we are having a sleepover.” Mason declared.

“Me too!” Caeris shouted. “And I can’t wait until we have our six day sleepover!”

“I love you too.  Now let’s all get some sleep,” I responded with more confidence about the sleeping bit than I actually felt. I figured they would watch the dancing Christmas lights and whisper and giggle long into the night. And I was pretty sure the  lumpy couch would not be lulling me to sleep any time soon.

I was surprised when the children quickly fell asleep.

I lay awake, watching them slumber, grinning to myself.  Three months had passed since the words six day sleepover had fallen out of my mouth before I had a chance to examine their potential effect. It occured on a day after the kids had spent two nights with my husband and me, and were already pleading for another sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

“I wish we could have another two day sleepover,” Mason had lamented.

“I wish we could have a THREE day sleepover!” Caeris had squealed.

And what’s a grandma to do? “Let’s plan a SIX DAY SLEEPOVER ,” I squealed back.

They shouted. They clapped their hands. They jumped up and down. “Yay! A six day sleepover!”  They chanted over and over.

And pretty much every visit since then, they have managed to mention the six day sleepover.  We have nailed it down to June, after school is out for the summer.

“I’ll be six then,” Caeris reminds me.  Mason is not to be outdone. “And I’ll be seven!” he bellows.

Yeah, June is long way off from late August when those words slid out of my mouth like an out of control sled on a snow frozen Colorado hill.  Ten months is really unfathomable to a 4, 5, and 6-year old. They think more in terms of minutes, hours, and days. June is an eternity away to them.

Yet they persist in reminding me because they know it is going to happen. They have faith that Grandma will keep her word.

They are already making plans to go swimming, play Walk Like a Chicken and Floor Lava, eat ice cream and popcorn and watch movies.  Read books. Tell stories. Draw. Camp in the backyard.

I, too, am excited about a six day sleepover with these enchanting little ones.

Perhaps that is why Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to the little children. (Mark 10:13-16) They have such a persistent faith. A contagious, persistent faith.  They believe promises even when when the promises seem a long way off, when the six day sleepover is taking forever. 

This persistence from  three of my favorite little people helped me choose my word for 2020: PERSIST.

Persist: to continue steadfastly, or firmly in some state, purpose, or course of action especially in spite of opposition. 

Let’s face it, life can throw a lot of opposition into and against our plans and purposes. But when we have confidence where our faith lay – or rather, in Whom our faith lay – we can continue on.

Persist: To endure tenaciously.

Sometimes you just need to hang in there, keep moving forward, and believe.

Synonyms include pursue, persevere, strive, prevail, continue.

I’m not looking for a new me – that took place at the cross of Christ. I do, however, want to continue tenaciously –  to persist  – in the things God has already called me to.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

Hebrews 6:11-12 NKJV

Persist is a verb.

I believe God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in me, ( Philippians 1:6) but I need to take an active part too.  God does His part, I do mine.

I have made a list of some of the areas I want to persist in. Prayer. Faith, Good works, as defined by God. The minimalist lifestyle I began over a year ago. Getting my braille certification.  Studying scripture. Writing, and the writing/speaking ministry I believe He is calling me into.  Seeking His face. Anti inflammatory eating.

Above all, I want to persist in loving  God and loving others, for these are the  greatest commandments of all.

How about you? Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?  Have you made any for this year? Or do you choose a Word for the year?  Please share!

I know I haven’t posted on the blog much in the past couple of years.  But I have some new accountability in place, and have been writing daily (gasp!) with the goal of a short post each week.  Please follow my blog and share with others.

Grateful for this wonderful life,

Marie with a 🙂