Resolute

Stubborn Pursuit of What Matters Most

Introduction

As a naturally stubborn German, I like to think of myself as resolute. Welcome to the second issue of the “R-series” where I ponder being resolute in the stubborn pursuit of important goals.

Note. My mom took this picture when we traveled together to Yellowstone and stopped to see the Tetons.

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A Minute of Motivation

No Free Lunch

There is no free lunch. Everything has a price attached to it. Accomplishment requires work. Success is not convenient – success is very inconvenient.

If success were convenient everyone would be successful. Everyone would have a great career, a great marriage, great kids, and great grades. But life requires work to make it work. Sometimes having fun and being comfortable have to be given up in order to do what needs to be done.

Some people seem to think life owes them a free ride, or at least a smooth, paved highway to the top. Well, the road to the top is an uncharted, difficult journey through the mountains of life, with toil and tears as frequent companions. The upward journey may not be easy, but the view from the top is more spectacular than the view from the bottom!

Note. Originally published in 1992. Re-published here because of the need to be resolute when trudging towards a goal.

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Enjoy Life More

Be Resolute

I just love the word resolute. One word captures strength and determination in steadfast and healthy stubbornness. Stubbornness gets a bad reputation, but not all stubbornness is bad. An unwavering determination to see something through is positive.

How important is the goal? Why do you want it? Knowing why is more valuable than knowing how. The reason for a journey is the driving force to find a way to complete that journey.

In leadership roles I have sometimes been referred to as “our fearless leader.” I’m not sure that a lack of fear is what best describes me, though I do hope to be courageous. I am definitely a stubborn leader. If I have resolved that something is important I will keep heading in that direction, and as a leader, encourage others to head the same way.

Besides, the opposite of resolute is wishy-washy. No one wants to be that.

To enjoy life more, decide what matters most to you and resolutely head in that direction. Be stubborn in a healthy way. Be resolute.

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Faith Corner

As the time drew near for Jesus to return to His Father in heaven, Jesus “resolutely went toward Jerusalem.” (see Luke 9:51)

Throughout Jesus’ 33 years as a human walking among us, He knew how his time would end. He knew He would be crucified, dying a horrible death on a cross, with nails piercing His hands and His feet. He knew this death would be excruciating, a word derived from the experience of crucifixion.

He knew this would happen in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover celebration. This celebration included the tradition of sacrificing a perfect lamb. This Passover would be different than the hundreds of celebrations in the past. At this Passover Jesus would be the perfect lamb sacrifice. The people didn’t know what was happening or what it meant. The people didn’t know that all of human history would turn on the hinge of this one death.

But Jesus knew.

There are many parts of the life of Jesus that impress me, but none more than when He resolutely headed in the direction of His death. Some translations describe this verse as Jesus “set His face” and went to Jerusalem. His commitment was unwavering. He had demonstrated His power by miraculous healings, walking on water, and bringing Lazarus back to life. Having shown who He was and what He could do, He walked to a death more horrifying than any of us can imagine.

I’ve made myself uncomfortable many times as part of being committed to something, but nothing I’ve done comes close to the resolute path Jesus walked to the cross.

What motivated Him to make every step? What motivated Him to surrender to this unbelievable terror? How did He remain stubbornly committed to the very definition of excruciating pain?

Love. He gave His perfect life as the sinless payment for the sins of all humans. He owed no debt for His own sins, thus He could give His life as the payment for the sin-debt of everyone and He did it in love.

In my logical mind this seems very strange, even though I was taught about Jesus from infancy. As a young adult, I questioned the story. In one of my most courageous moments I asked Jesus who He was. I figured if He was a fiction I wouldn’t get a response.

Turns out I did get a response. Jesus is not a fiction. His story is Truth.

Dear Lord, thank You seems like such a small response to such a tremendous gift. I can’t imagine the strength of resolution needed to willingly die for someone else, especially for people who rebel against You and reject the Truth of your love and Your story. Help me to accept what I cannot comprehend. Help me to live in gratitude for what You did for me. Amen.

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Poetry Pause

R.E.S.O.L.U.T.E.

Resolving

Every

Shred

Of

Life

Until

The

End

By Cindy MacGregor, August 24, 2023

Note. Being resolute involves complete commitment until the journey is finished.

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Old Mom to Young Mom

Developing Resolute Children

Some resolute adults start out as strong-willed, sometimes difficult, children. These children, when determined to do something, are difficult to redirect.

Some resolute adults start out as apprehensive, hesitant children. These children, when something becomes difficult, are inclined to give up.

For the strong-willed child, wise parents help direct the natural stubbornness into commitment to positive pursuits. “You need to stop doing that and do this instead” is a message for the naturally stubborn child.  Parents of a strong-willed child need to be more resolved, aka stubborn, in their dedication to redirecting the determined efforts of their child than the child is committed to doing the wrong things. The goal should not be to break the strong will of the child but to direct it toward productive endeavors.

For the apprehensive, hesitant child, wise parents help the child follow-through on tasks even when they become uncomfortable. “It is important to finish something once you’ve started it” is the message of resolution to children prone to quitting when the way becomes hard. Such children may not “feel like” finishing something they started. Parents who allow a child to quit when a task becomes unpleasant are teaching weakness in the face of difficulty. Allowing the child to take a break is fine, but allowing complete escape is not.

As an old mom to young parents, I encourage you to think about the child you have becoming a resolute adult. Being resolute requires the determination and strength to follow-through when something important becomes difficult or uncomfortable. Good parents are resolute in their commitment to helping their children become resolute adults.

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Dear Dr. Mac

Dear Readers:

The first 64 issues of The Adventure of Reflection can be found in this organized compilation:  Reflective Adventures Volume One  You can find all my previous posts at ARCHIVE  which can be organized into the most popular by choosing “Top” or the most recent by choosing “New.”

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