Persistence v Determination
hsiang January 14th, 2011
So I said to Reine today that I’m a persistent kinda person whilst she’s the determined sort. I said that without thinking too much about it, but as I pondered that statement further, it left me to think about who I am.
I’m a worker, I’m a do-er. If things need to be done, I’ll get it done. I don’t think that takes determination, or at least, I don’t think determination is the key recipe. Persistence and patience is all that is required. I’ll grind the result out.
But a determined person goes out there and aims for the stars. She’ll get the things done even if they don’t need to be done, purely because she wants to. Maybe it’s the prove a point, maybe it’s for self benefit, maybe it’s just for the thrill of it, but in any case, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that kind of drive before.
Why do I work hard? Because I have to. Because I need to. Why do I need to? I don’t know. Not yet anyway. I’m sure the answer will come.
For now the only answer I have comes from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28). Aside: I just found a link to an interesting discussion on the two bible passages. Will look at it when I have more time. God tells us to work hard and to use the gifts he’s given us for His glory. I hope I am doing that in my day to day life. I know I have much to improve on.
I still have a long journey to walk but I am confident that with Him holding me up and being my rock, I can lift my head high and walk with determination. Maybe that’s what I was lacking the past 25 years?