Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . The night before his crucifixion, a spiritual battle is raging. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me ." [1] Earlier that evening, Jesus shared a Passover meal with his twelve apostles. As they ate and drank, he tried to prepare them for what was coming. This bread is my body broken for you. This wine is my blood poured out for the sins of many. The disciples heard Jesus’ words. But in their wildest dreams, could they have imagined their fulfillment would come in the form of a cruel crucifixion? After dinner, they arrive in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus walks a little further for privacy. He asks his three closest friends—Peter, James, and John—to accompany him. “Watch and pray,” he pleads. But the hour is late. Sleep comes unbidden. It makes me wonder. Were these three oblivious to the distress in Jesus’ eyes? Or perhaps it caught them off guard. After all, they were the needy ones. Jesus was the...

Welcome to Real Life . Knock, knock. Is anyone there? A river cuts through a rock  not because of its power, but its persistence. –James N. Watkins, Author Lindsey Jacobellis knows the power of perseverance. Sixteen years ago, at her Olympic debut, Jacobellis was favored to win gold in Woman’s Snowboard Cross. On her final jump, however, she fell and lost to Switzerland’s Tanja Frieden. But Jacobellis never quit. She kept trying, kept competing, kept knocking on the door of Olympic Gold. This year, at her fifth Olympic competition, Jacobellis finally won that gold medal! Perseverance is a key element of success... unfortunately.  Because we prefer quick and easy, don't we? Perseverance isn't fun, flashy, or fuzzy-warm. It's the grimy, gutsy, grappling-alone-in-the-dark resolve that quietly wins the day. Not surprisingly, perseverance is also a key element of successful prayer. (Cue that grappling-alone-in-the-dark resolve.) Jesus emphasized this with a story. A neighbor kno...