Hang in there - don't give up when things get tough!

Many years ago there was a show on TV that had an episode where the girls at a high school took Karate class to learn some self defense against a local bully. The funny thing is that it was portrayed much more like a dance class than a martial arts class! There was disco music with a light show going on and they were learning these “moves” that were all timed to the music and it all looked real exciting and fun. We actually had some gals come to check out our school right after that TV show, and when they saw that in reality there was no music or special lighting, and that they would actually have to do push ups and a little “work” to learn stuff, they weren’t interested at all and walked away.

Recently I got a call from a parent who was very upset that her son refused to come to Karate class any more. He was super excited to begin and so it was a real surprise to her when he had such a quick change of heart after only a couple classes. Ends up that he wanted to be able to do all the fancy stuff that he saw on TV, but starting at the beginning, going real slow and learning the very basics was much too boring and he didn’t want to put in the effort.

The unfortunate thing in both cases is that these folks really missed out! Too often in our “Fast Food” society we want everything well, “Fast!” If it’s gonna take too long or take some work we usually bail and go look for something faster and easier.

Martial arts is just the opposite – yes, there are many terrific benefits to be had right from the start, but that goal of earning a Black Belt simply takes a lot of time. And time takes perseverance, and lots of patience. We’re told in the Bible that patience is a “fruit of the Spirit,” a Godly character quality that we should see developing in each of our lives as we learn to live for God. And how cool that our martial arts training can also help us grow in this important area!

So when things get tough the last thing you want to do is quit, because that’s when the best things are probably just about to happen! And as you stick with it, even when it’s difficult, you WILL see rewards, you WILL see benefits and you WILL be proud and very thankful as you see everything come together. Whether it’s martial arts or really any other area of your life, remember that the really good things always take some kind of effort. So don’t give up! Stick with it! Realize that when it’s hard you’re on the very brink of something truly amazing – and hang in there!