Persistence

Dusk was lengthening the shadows on the wall where my husband and I were chatting. When our three-year-old redhead walked by, he called out, “Hey, Princess. Will you please turn on the light?”

Cheerfully, she reeeeeeeached up as high as she could, trying to touch the light switch. No good.

On tip toes now, she tried again, grunting with effort. Still not tall enough.

“Use the book?” I suggested from across the room.

Red curls bobbed as she thoughtfully considered the picture book in her hand. Then she put the quarter-inch thick book on the ground, stood on it, and stretched toward the magic light button again. A frustrated cry of dismay escaped her frowning mouth when this didn’t work either.

Unable to contain laughter, her parents called out, “No, no, no. Use the book to push the light switch up!”

Understanding lit up her chubby face. Completing the task with book in hand, she shot us a look of triumph, and continued on her way.

In spite of my hope-filled efforts to be a useful tool to my Heavenly Father, undoubtedly I cause a heavenly chuckle here and there as resources are used incorrectly or directions are misunderstood.

But, once again, “The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards. We keep practicing. We are always progressing as long as we are striving to follow the Lord. He doesn’t expect perfection today.” 1

So maybe it will take a couple of times to figuratively “turn the light on”. No need to give up today!

Thank you, three-year-old, for teaching your mother persistence.