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Life is a journey of persistence, wouldn’t you agree?
Pilgrim’s Progress
When I was a teenager in a Pentecostal church, I was given a book by the church for one of my birthdays – I forget which one.
The book was “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan, first published in 1678.
As I was an avid reader, I delved into it. I still have it tucked away somewhere to this day.
It tells the story of Christian and his ultimate journey to the Celestial City.
Along the way he meets characters such as Help and Worldly-Wise, and passes through the city of Morality amongst others.
At one stage he passes through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Along Life’s Journey
Just like Christian we will meet people along the way who will befriend us, help us or try to hinder us.
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in one place for a long time.
Ever been stuck at an airport? Stuck in traffic? Stuck waiting for a bus that’s late?
You’re not there now though are you?!
It can seem like forever when we’re stuck in a rut.
Things are moving slowly or not moving at all.
Joyce’s Progress
I mentioned in another blog about being unemployed for some five odd years after I left school. Thus I was in Wilderness City.
The only reason I went to Employers City was to sign on for benefits. Naturally I wondered if I would ever get a job.
At one point, I tried being creative by writing to employers to offer them my services for free.
After a week they could then decide if they wanted to hire me.
I received very polite and complimentary responses – turning me down.
I couldn’t even get a job for no wages!
To make myself feel of some worth to society I took the free road to Volunteers City.
There I took up voluntary work including teaching adults to read at a community centre.
We were helping each other.
Journeying Through Education
After a couple of years I returned to College Town to take yet more O-Levels.
I was surprised to see a woman called Middle-Aged in one of my classes. (I distinctly remember her bringing in peeled oranges wrapped in cling film for her snacks).
It was then that I also got an education on how studying is not just for the young.
Journeying Through Employment
Finally at age 21 I was offered a job at the Unemployment Benefit Office I had been signing on at!
No more UB40 for me – and I’m not talking about the reggae band!
Trouble was, at the same time I was also offered a place at college to study the NNEB course I had applied for.
This was a Nursery Nurse certificate, which has since been updated.
I was torn. Which avenue to take now? The new road to Employment City or back to College Town?
And The Winner Is…
Although I was honoured to have been offered the place at college and was loathe to turn it down, my longing for an actual job eventually meant Employment City won the day.
I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I had gone down the nursery nurse path.
Children Understand Persistence
I remember, while in Volunteers City, working at a school for children with learning needs.
I got on very well with a little Downs Syndrome boy aged about five, called Adorable.
One time while trying to connect the pieces of some toy or other, I exclaimed “I can’t do it!”
Adorable promptly replied “Yes you can!”
I never forgot that.
Making Informed Decisions Along The Journey
Nevertheless Employment City was probably the best avenue to take, because it was after all the intended destination.
Although my detour back to College Town was with the aim of arriving there too.
I have since travelled through various villages in this city and even connected to College Town again at one point, albeit remotely.
Waiting Is Part Of The Journey
Wherever you are on your journey, remember although the plane might be a long time coming, you WILL make progress if you stay at the airport!
Only if you leave, if you throw up your hands and give up, will you never arrive at your destination.
Waiting is never easy, I know.
Hang in there!
Keep pushing. Persevere.
You will reach your destination.
As long as you persist, you can’t fail!
There Is Life After Persistence!
Persistence is important, as rarely anything worth having in life comes without it.
Most often, you’ll have to work for what you want.
Being persistent will give you the opportunity to achieve anything you set your heart on!
What are your thoughts?
Comment below!
