Catholic Activity: Teaching Perseverance

We are all get discouraged about mundane repetitive things we must do in life. Here's a story from the Desert Fathers to help one stay with what grows wearisome.

DIRECTIONS

Who does not say to himself now and then, "What is the use of this! I am only doing what I have already done a thousand times and anyone could do it. It is a waste of time!"

One of the hermits of old who dwelt in the desert had a cell situated all of seven miles from the water, and it was necessary for him to walk the distance to the river and back each time he replenished his supply. Growing tired of this journey, he said to himself: "What need is there for me to endure this toil? I shall come and live near the water." As he said this, he caught sight of someone who followed behind him, counting his footsteps. He asked, "Who art thou?" and the one behind said, "I am the angel of the Lord, and I am sent to count thy footprints and give thee thy reward." And the monk, when he heard this, set his cell still farther from the water!

Activity Source: Saints and Our Children, The by Mary Reed Newland, P.J. Kenedy & Sons, New York; reprinted by TAN Publishers, 1958