We all love to accomplish things. It feels rewarding to look around and see tasks completed, deadlines met, and a job well done. We thrive when we strive for accomplishment and it helps us learn steadfastness. Even though we can’t always see the outward progress of our character development, our growth is reflected in our attitude. Bad attitudes usually reflect unfinished tasks and incomplete projects because we are frustrated with the feelings of failure that begin to seep in. On the other hand, a joyful attitude comes with being good stewards of our time.

One of Aesop’s most famous fables is “The Tortoise and the Hare�, a story about an energetic rabbit who loses the race to the slow and steady turtle. In the beginning of the tale, the Hare had been relentlessly mocking the tortoise for being slow, to which the tortoise responds by challenging him to a foot race. Amused, the Hare accepts and at the shout of: “GO!�, the Hare speeds far ahead, leaving the tortoise far behind. Feeling as though he has plenty of time, the Hare decides to take a nap. In the meantime, the steadfast Tortoise has marched along at a steady, yet unceasing, pace and eventually passes up the sleeping Hare. The Hare wakes just as the Tortoise is nearing the finish line. He takes off running as fast as he can to make up for lost time, but it’s too late! The Tortoise triumphantly finishes first!

The word steadfast means fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering, resolute in faith, and firmly fixed in position. The Tortoise was steadfast. He never wavered from his direction and was resolute in the belief that he could indeed accomplish this task before the Hare. Yes, the world may cheer on the Hares of this worldâ€"they’re exciting to watch as they hurriedly move from task to task, going placesâ€"fast. But if we look closely, the more detailed and difficult tasks are left behind, to be picked up by the Tortoises who will take the time to work steadily through the more meaningful and, oftentimes, more important tasks. God wants us to be diligent, steadfast in our task no matter the size, and always strive to do our work as unto the Lord. A joyous attitude is ours when we’re steadfast and unceasingâ€"like the Tortoise!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, let the work of my hands bring honor to you. Give me the strength to remain steadfast in my tasks so that I can see the fruit of my labor and the growth in my character as I strive to be more like you. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.