Monday's Musings - What Does Tenacity Look Like?

by Mary Denman                  Twitter: @MaryDenman        Instagram:@MaryFDenman

We don't hear a lot about tenacity. 

Here's the definition: the quality or 

fact of being able to grip something firmly

We hear more about getting things done efficiently, being successful, playing well, maximizing profit. The list goes on.

But I witnessed tenacity. And that got me thinking. 

Do I give up and quit too easily? 

Do I give up before I even start the day?

I'm afraid the answer is yes. Way too many times.

But on Lake Como in Italy, I watched tenacity in all it's beauty.

Do you see the flowers growing out of the crevasses of the wall?

They don't have an easy life.

Waves from powerful boats pound them. 
Wash over them. 
Drench them.

Day after day.

But yet, there they are.

Clinging to the wall for life.
Withstanding the onslaught. 

Striking a contrast between the hard, lifeless rocks and the constantly moving water. 

It makes their beauty stand out even more. 

And it humbles me. 

You see, after losing my dear mother and father-in-law two weeks apart in May, 2013, I've had waves of grief crashing over me. 

Making me feel like I might drown. 

But here I am. 

Still hanging on.

I miss them terribly. 

Especially Mom.

But I hope my life brings joy to others and glory to God. 

He's the rock I'm clinging to. 

These simple flowers on a lake in Italy gave me a picture of what tenacity looks like in all it's beauty and power. 

So tomorrow, knowing that as I approach the anniversary of their deaths, the waves of grief will be ever near, I will remember that they won't drown me. 

That they will come and go. 

That I have the courage to hold fast. 

To keep trying. 

To not quit. 

To quote Mary Anne Padmacher: Courage Doesn't Always Roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."    

To quote 2 Cor. 4:8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;