Perseverance: A deeper understanding

(IN THE SECRET by Mercy Me)
...I am reaching for the highest goals
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward 
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause I want to know you more...


Every time I hear this song, I remember the time Guam experienced an 8.2 earthquake (1993).  It was a Sunday evening, and I was at church.  The worship portion of the service had ended and a young lady made her way up to the podium to sing a special number.  A few seconds into her lovely song, I felt a very gentle shake - I looked at my friend and with a very calm smile I whispered, "oooh, is that an earthquake?"  But my smile change to concern when the gentle shake continued for a few seconds more.  I then whispered, "should we be getting up - evacuating or something?"  As my friend tried to give her reply, the gently nudge became a terrifying shake that seemed to go on forever. She didn't need to give me an answer. Everybody in the church started to scream as they made their way to the door.


The goal to get to safety wasn't easy to achieve.  The folding chairs we sat on became one huge entangled mess - blocking the passage to the door.  With my friend was an elderly lady who we were assisting to get to safety, but she just could not get past the chairs that kept getting in the way.  So like a good Christian girl that I am, I let go of my dear friend's hand (the elderly lady I was trying to help), and pretty much gave her my "see you later" look, hurdled over the chairs and darted for the door.  I figure if the building were to collapse, I'd have to be outside if she wanted any hope for a rescue.  I need to be outside to help with the recovery - what use would I be if I were stuck under this potential rubble. Right?  Fortunately, the building did not fall, and my elderly friend lived to see 17 more years.


But going back to that song, I think about how if I set my sights on the prize, I would push every hindrances aside.  In the song, that prize is knowing our Savior more.  What would happen if I just focus my eyes on Jesus? What would that look like?


See, lately I've been evaluating my walk with God - it doesn't look so good.  Just a few days ago, I was lecturing my kids about receiving B Honor Roll when they have the ability to obtain the A Honor Roll.  Granted their B meant they had only one B amongst the many A's - but still.  They weren't hungry for it - they were satisfied with what they got - because "more" would mean they would have to let go of the distractions.  They didn't press onward for the prize. And I shared my displeasure for this attitude.   


However, I think I have that same attitude when it comes to my walk with God.  I don't think I've been doing much "pressing forward" lately. I have become complacent and satisfied with the amount of time I spend and give HIM. I have not hungered for HIM like King David did in Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."  Or like Moses did when he asked God to "show me your glory (Exodus 33:18)."  I need to get to that place again - that place where my eyes are once again on the prize - where I will push all hindrances aside to get there.


I end with this story. Up until June 2010 I worked as an administrator at a Christian school.  At the end of each year, I made sure I made it a point to speak to all the high school students to discuss their academic status - to encourage them to keep pressing on or to encourage them to do better.  At the end of school year 2009, this scrawny sophomore asked me if he had a chance at first place.  He didn't do so well his freshman year but wanted to make changes to turn things around.  He set his eyes to making the top ten.  End of sophomore year, he accomplished just that and found himself within reach of the top five.  So he pushed further and decided he was gonna do everything it takes to make it to first.  Every semester he would ask me if he had a chance.  In my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's hard but possible - anything can happen."  At the end of his junior year, he made his way to second place and the gap between first and second was pretty close.  He asked again if he had a chance - in my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's close to impossible to displace the #1 guy this late in the ball game but it doesn't hurt to keep trying.  After all we should live by the school motto; Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Right?"  Well, the end of his Senior year came and the current administrator had to run the tabulation for class ranking several times - after she did so, she called me to verify that she ran the tabulation correctly.  She had to do this because the outcome came as a huge surprise to every one. 


After the graduation ceremony, I sought out the student, gave him the biggest hug and told him that I was really proud of him.  He proved me wrong and I was humbled by his attitude, his diligence, his determination.  In spite of the impossibilities, he decided to set aside all obstacles and pressed forward for the prize.  As this Valedictorian towered over me, he just smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Nish" as if I had anything to do with it.


If I could strive for my God the way he strived for that top honor, what would my walk with God look like.  If I don't look to the left or the right;  if I desperately press towards the prize; if I pushed all hindrances aside; if if if...


...I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more...


Lord, this is a new day.  Forgive me for my complacency - I want to know you more.  Help me to strive to win this race because I know you are waiting for me at the finish line.  I would so love to hear you say, "well done my faithful one."

Jacs' 5th grade speech

Jacqueline was awarded the best Writer in her 5th grade class.  She had prepared a speech but was unable to read it during the 5th grade promotion - instead she attempted to do an impromptu speech - not bad for an 11 year old.  But here was the one she wrote:

Good morning Rev. Dr.  Jon and Eva Pineda, Rev. Dr. Paul Pineda, Mrs. Debbie Pineda, parents, fellow classmates, teachers, and other distinguished guests.

My name is Jacqueline Nishihira and I am the Vice President of the fifth grade class.  I can still remember running up and down the elementary hallways like it was yesterday – oh wait that was yesterday.  Well, I can remember the first time we ran up and down the hallways – for some of us - as little kindergarteners.  Today we sit in this gym, as we have for many awesome elementary chapels given by Pastor Eva – but not as the little 5 year olds but as fifth graders.

Through the years we have drawn closer to each other.  We have had to say good-bye to some of our friends as we welcomed some new faces.  But we have been able to stay close – building great memories that we will take with us forever.  We are not just wonderful friends – we’ve become a family.  As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, entering into middle school, we will never forget these memories that we have shared. 

A few days ago, someone asked me to describe my class in one word.  I didn’t have to think hard because I knew what it was and that word was “LOVING.”  I chose ‘LOVING” because all of you are kind, compassionate, loyal, and what better word to describe all of those characteristics.

While we drew closer to each other, we also drew closer to God.  The funny thing is when I was in K5 I didn't know about God the way I do now.  As a K5, I had a very simple, child-like understanding – God loved me and we are to read our bibles and pray everyday.  Then I remember 1^st grade, Mrs. Snively’s class, where she explained that Jesus died for me and that He is the only way, the truth, and the Life and no one goes to the father except through HIM – she explained to me how important HE was in my life and where I might be without HIM.  It was the start of my grown up thinking of my Christian walk and has continued expand each school year through each teacher and it has continued to mold and shape my life and probably for several of us sitting here today.

I would like to thank all our parents for bringing us here to Saint Paul Christian School and for always believing in us.  I would like to thank our teachers for never giving up on us no matter how difficult it was for you at times.   And most especially, I would like to thank the LORD, because all we had to do was our best and HE did the rest – because all things are possible in JESUS – and because HE paid the price for us.  We really appreciate you all.  Thank you.