whining = tenacity?

Whine, whine, whine. I think that has got to be one of the most frustrating things about having a five year old right now (or maybe I could venture out to say any age child in general?). Being a general "pleaser" or "peacemaker" in personality, I tend to give in to whining more than I should. However, I have been working on letting my yes's be yes and my no's be no, despite the whining that inevitably comes in return from my child. Whining, I believe, is linked to stubbornness. I am guilty of viewing my daughter's stubbornness as a negative, but honestly, maybe I truly should be pleased to see that she's willing to take a stand on things. I'd like to think that on the positive side, stubbornness could also be called tenacity. Merriam-Webster defines tenacious as "persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired." Oxford American Dictionary goes on to add that it could be holding on to a position or a principle. I pray that God develops that tenacity within my daughter to come to a point where she has a saving relationship with Him and will use that stubbornness to "cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).

When's the last time you were tenacious or stubborn? Was it for something selfishly desired or for something of the Spirit? It's so easy to get beaten down in today's world with the culture being what it is. It's hard to cling to the Lord at times. There's peer pressure (even for us as adults) - when it comes to raising kids, working with co-workers, personal ethics, or just living life in general. Take comfort in the promise the Word gives: "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" (Psalm 63:8) When this psalm was written, David was literally in the dessert. Physically he was needing food and water. Physically he needed holding up. He knew that his sustenance would come from the Lord. Literally or figuratively, this passage shows us the hope found in Him. Will we hold on to that promise and take a stand for Him? If we trust Him, cling to Him - take a stand for what is right - be tenacious in our lives - He will hold us up! So don't back down. Go ahead - show your stubborn side.