Don't Give Up

The heat was more intense than I expected and so took a lot more energy than I wanted to expend. There was nothing to do but adjust my pace and keep walking. That oh-so-hoped-for second wind,  never came so I simply trudged the last two miles. Being tired did not mean quitting was an option. Why? I had to make it home.
Many of us are tired. Tired of COVID-19,  tired of the news, tired of hearing about financial relief that never seems to come. We are tired of politics of the murder of innocent people and justice that seems inextricably linked to "the color of our skin rather than the content of our character." We are tired of sin, of failed relationships, and tired of never quite hitting the mark, no matter how hard we try.
We are tired of glass ceilings, invisible walls, and treadmills to keep us busy going nowhere. But, that is not a reason to quit. Instead, we keep the faith. We continue to believe in a God who made all people significant because of his divine imprint. We will continue to do the good we know, and in so doing make a difference, wherever God happens to place us.  We are not home yet. Don't give up. Run fast, walk slow, or simply trudge, putting one foot in front of the other. But keep going because home is still ahead.