Tuesday’s Musings: Try and Try Again!

1 Chronicles 16:11 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

Yesterday’s Musings about experience the challenges and successes in life with God at our side resonated in a number of people.  The news headlines this morning about Diana Nyad leads me to continue with that theme.  On her 5^th try and at the age of 64 she swam the 110 miles from Cuba to Florida.  She was the first person to ever do that without a shark tank.  Completing the difficult task she arrived with a swollen face and fatigue but she made it.  In an interview she said, “Never ever give up” and that this time she had a mantra, “Find a way.”  She discussed the fact that a lot of the ability to succeed is mental, not just physical. 

Diana’s story inspired me to push myself while running this morning. I had gone back to just walking after tripping on an uneven piece of sidewalk a couple of weeks ago. The bumps and bruises weren’t quite healed and I was a little fearful but I ran anyway and actually ran several times across the place where I tripped.  I loved that my music playlist included the song, “There’s Always One More Time,” sung by Harry Conic Jr.

If your whole life somehow
Wasn't much 'til now
 And you've almost lost
 Your will to live
 No matter what you've been through
 Long as there's breath in you
There is always one more time

If your dreams go bad
 Every one that you've had
 don't you think that your dreams
 Can't come true
 Because it's funny about dreams
 Just strange as it seems
 Because there is always one more time

Oh, turning corners is only a state of mind
Keepin' your eyes closed is worse than being blind…..

Holy Lord, please be with us and help us to not give up when we become discouraged.  We know that if we seek you that you will give us strength to keep trying and will guide us on the path to success.  Help us Lord to know when to give up and when to persevere.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.