Grit Required [Choosing Joy]

“Grrrrr!  I can’t do it!”

My 6-year-old son spun around in a fit of frustration tangling his fitted bedsheet around himself.  I had decided that today was the day that he was going to learn to put sheets on his bed and getting that elastic down around the corners was proving to be a bit tricky for him.  He was already annoyed with me that I had even suggested this activity so the fact that he was struggling was just unbearable.

“Try again, big guy.  Position yourself in the right spot and then lift the corner of the mattress.  You can do this!”

He tucked one corner loosely around and as he stretched the fabric to reach the next corner, his efforts popped free.  “Arrggghh!  Not again!”

I recently heard a TED Talk about how grit is the essential ingredient in the success of an individual.  According to this researcher, it did not matter a person’s natural talent, intelligence, or factors of their upbringing, if a person has determination, or grit, triumph is inevitable.  I agree that resolve is crucial for achieving our goals, but the Bible says that true victory in life goes a step further.

“we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”  Romans 5:3-5

We need setbacks and disappointments because they foster in us determination and grit.  That grit provides wisdom and experience which ultimately boosts our faith and courage.  This key quality of faith is what makes a person truly successful in life.

A suffering as simple as fighting with a bed sheet may seem small but even this little frustration can be used by God to build determination in us.  It took a few more tries, a bit more cheerleading on my part, and even a small prayer to help calm some anger, but he finally mastered the art of replacing the sheets on the bed.  Praise God!  Another baby step on his way to being a man of God.

Father God,  You are the One who overcomes all our obstacles.  As my son faces bigger challenges throughout life, please remind him of these little successes that he found through perseverance and faith in You.  In Jesus’ Name I pray.  Amen.