Persistency Pays!

Do you remember those verses in the Bible about the friend who incessantly nags his neighbor for bread? Exasperated, the neighbor finally relents, shouting, “Fine! Just take it and be done with it!" The friend contentedly gathers the loaves and returns home.

Okay, so perhaps my retelling of this parable is a bit skewed, but the point remains: persistency pays.

This story has been popping into my mind lately because of a trait I have recently noticed in my youngest son, Zachary: persistency! Polite, yet determined, he does not yield when his mind is set on a matter.

Just ask my friend, Stephanie, who spent a few days in our home recently.

A skilled artisan, Stephanie’s talents exceed those of most when it comes to crafts. Zachary, upon discovering that she is also adept at sewing, was insistent that she teach him this skill. In the few short, yet eventful days she was visiting with us, he did not relent in asking her to spend some time instructing him in the basics of stitchery.

Finally, just before her departure and with only a few minutes to spare, she granted him his desire. By the time Stephanie arrived at her own home a few hours later, Zachary had sewn a patch on his Sparks vest.

Learn to sew: check. Persistency pays!

Zachary’s baseball coach could attest to his resolve, as well. Over halfway into the fall season, Zachary decided he wanted to play catcher. The team already had a catcher, but Zachary felt he could be rotated in from time to time. He asked the coach, and was rewarded with a couple of innings of play in his new position.

But it was short-lived. He was soon back to rotating between 2nd base, 3rd base, and left field – all fine positions, but not the one he wanted. With steadfast resolve, he asked before and after each game and between every inning, yet continued to be turned down. Nevertheless, he refused to give up.

And then one night, we received a phone call from the coach. He had spare catcher’s gear (which Zachary had asked to borrow – several times!) and was calling to see if we had time to get it before the next game. Not only would Zachary be able to practice with the gear for a few days, but he was also promised the opportunity to play his much longed for position in the next game, at least for an inning or two.

Consequently, his notable proficiency as catcher during that game resulted in playing his desired position the rest of the season!

Play catcher: check. Persistency pays!

As an adult and a parent, I do understand that perpetual pleading can be both annoying and disrespectful. I do not want to encourage my children to keep asking just to fulfill selfish desires. They must learn to accept no as the final answer.

Yet sometimes persistency is needed to make desires known and skills recognized. Politely being persistent in order to pursue a longing that God has placed on your heart and perhaps even molded you for is a commendable character trait that Mike and I resolve not to discourage in our children. At the same time, we will make every effort to teach them to employ it in the right manner and with a proper understanding of when to keep asking and when to let the matter go.

“…yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” Luke 11:9