Persistence

“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”

~ Babe Ruth

Apollo, our third child, is a natural when it comes to athleticism. He enjoys his two favorite sports of football and basketball. His least favorite is track & field. Perhaps because of all the running and lack to apply any real technique and skill he harbors within. Therefore, anytime there is an opportunity to get some work in the gym or on the field, he is finding a way to make it happen.

One evening he wanted to get he and a few friends to an indoor basketball gym to get in some reps as basketball season was in full effect. He just received a new indoor ball and basketball shoes he’d asked for Christmas, and wanted to break them in and put them to use. So he coordinated gym time with one of the coaches of a local college. He put a plan in place and then asked me to help with getting him there. He had a friend who also needed a ride and I was reluctant. Apollo provided the details with timeline, involved parties, and coordination secured. He asked a few more times if we could pick up a friend, which I remained stern that I would not be picking him up this time.

As we loaded into the vehicle to head toward the college gymnasium, Apollo pulls out his phone with a gps taking us to an unknown address, at least unbeknownst to me. He looks at me with a smile and says, “It will only take seven minutes to get to my friend’s house, and then it is only five minutes to the gym from his home. Can we please pick him up?”

I looked at him as we drove off heading into the same direction of the gym and told him to tell me the address so that I could put it on my phone gps.

He smiled back, “thank you mommy.”

It was after dropping off he and his friend to the gymnasium as another friend waited there for their arrival that it hit me. Some of us, myself included, could use persistence like Apollo’s. He wouldn’t take the first, second, or third “No” and settle with that. He had to make it happen and he didn’t pout to get his way, manipulate and scheme, or even do it in an undignified manner. He simply worked through all the details and contingencies, the possible questions and concerns that would be asked and then delivered with seamless execution. Furthermore, he did it in the lightest, and most charismatic way and with a smile.

I am thankful for these little moments that even our littles (or somewhat little) can teach us. Persistence is patience, planning, and poise.