©Thanksgiving......and Sticktoitiveness....

On the edge of where I took a seat...

©Photography by ~CC

There's been many times in my life that I didn't want to stick to something. There was the time when I was 10 and had been taking piano lessons for a year. When I was just beginning to get good and the practice required more of me utilizing my left hand, I quit. Then there was the time when I was a teenager and my school work required more of me to be among the A-Section (Academic) in my high school, I just did what came easy without much studying...and made great grades, but graduated among the B-Section (Business) peers instead of giving my best. Unfortunately I brought this same mentality into my 20's, 30's, and even my 40's. Finally, somewhere in my late 40's, I decided just getting by, wasn't enough. Phil: 3: 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

A few years back, I finally learned what Phil. 3: 13&14 meant. When my husband returned home nearly seven years ago, something inside wouldn't give up and move on like I would have in the past. There was this innate "Sticktoitiveness" that I couldn't explain. Somewhere inside of my heart I kept hearing whispers of words like, "It's going to be alright, don't give up". I spent much time in God's word back then, as each day was an overwhelming mountain for me and my husband in what became a huge walk in his recovery. Surprisingly to me, in my own recovery too. Then about two years ago, I took another role in my company. I had worked in the department for nearly five years at that time. Everyone felt I had the experience and knowledge of about all there was to know, I'd be a perfect fit with the new job. Well, needless to say, I felt very under qualified when I began the training and learned there were so many details I didn't know. All of a sudden, it was like I was 10 again, taking piano lessons and I wanted to quit. Something inside of me wouldn't let me. More little voices began to play in my head, "God wouldn't open a door for me if He hasn't equipped me, don't give up...don't give in, "Focus on Finishing Well". Fortunately, I listened to those voices in my head and I didn't give up. It took me five months to get to feeling "comfortable" again...but the long hard road was worth it.

The photo included in this blog posting is another photo taken on Veteran's Day in Tallulah Falls, GA. It was in the middle of a climb to get to the top of the mountain. It was the only place in the two mile hike that I thought I was going to have to give up. I turned around on the steps, sat down, and looked at this view. Something told me to take this picture...and now I know why. It's another example in my more recent years of where I put into practice, "Sticktoitiveness". I made it to the top of the mountain.......and if I hadn't, all the other lovely landscape of Fall Foliage would have been missed. I wouldn't have gotten to experience the Mountain Top experience with my husband and our buddy that was along. On Nov 11, ~CC accomplished another feat! Even though it may have been small in many's eyes, it was large in mine!

I like who I am today...who I've become anyways...because I'm a perfect example of how God changes someone through tragedy. I could have given up on my marriage in 2002, with God's help I didn't. I could have given up on the new role I took in my department two years ago, with God's help I didn't and I absolutely love what I do. And, on the first hike of my life I took in the gorgeous State Park of Tallulah Falls, GA, I didn't give up...and the reward was so awesome!

Whatever you're up against today, don't give up. "Sticktoitiveness" is quite rewarding, and it teaches us much about who we are, and who we've not yet become. Thankfully, God didn't give up on me...I'm sure He won't give up on you either!

Staying In The Day with you... ~CC