Miles with Millie

Every Tuesday and every Thursday she would be there.

10:30am, give or take a few minutes, I could always predict her arrival.

Slowly and cautiously she would shuffle toward the outside railing and solidly place her hand on top.

And then she would start, one step, and then the next. Continual. Steady. Determined and focused. She would start her laps around the YMCA track.

I thought I once heard someone call her Millie.

Her lively white hair, bright eyes, and very wrinkly hands reminded me of my great grandmother. I wondered if Millie had made dozens of homemade noodles and mashed dozens of potatoes, like my great grandmother had. I wondered if Millie had children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, or any pets. I wondered these things, but more than wonder, I watched.

Millie was steadfast. Around the YMCA track she trekked…

In the amount of time it took Millie to make one lap around the track, I could run an entire mile. There were moments when a congested group of walkers crowded Millie, making it hazardous for her to continue with her slow pace.

But yet she continued on, and on, and on.

I haven’t seen Millie in at least 12 years. But I can still remember her as if it were yesterday. I can see her hand. I can see her focused look. I can see her consistency to return every Tuesday and Thursday for yet, just one more full walk around the track.

Jesus calls us to be focused, determined, steadfast, and diligent in our calling.

He’s not calling us to be speedy and impulsive. He wants us to stay His course, regardless of how long it takes to make it one full lap.

Diligence: Viewing each task given to me as a special duty and putting forth the effort to do my very best.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. — Colossians 3:17

Endurance: The inward struggle to endure tribulation with determination.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us — Hebrews 12:1

Enthusiasm: Expressing joy in each job I am given to do.
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. — Colossians 3:23

Word definitions courtesy: Kids of Character Curriculum

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