Have we figured out that our proudest accomplishments don't happen overnight - but only after a long slog against long odds?

If you've ever lost significant weight, built a reputation, or made a million dollars? You know it takes a lot of time - a lot of effort!

Forget about the lottery winners and the weight-loss 'biggest losers' - life doesn't work that way!

Your big goal - of living out eternal life right here and now - it's work!

On Sunday Jesus tells us about a bothersome woman - who wouldn't let go until a lazy judge grants her justice - to remind us that that long slog against long odds - pays off!

So keep on, keeping on - with those regular habits and practices that realign us - away from the dark side and toward the light -

You are love embodied - and you can let that big, beautiful light inside of you shine like a diamond - even in a world that's going crazy - because you don't stop, don't give in, don't give up - you're not on that long slog against long odds all alone - we are in it together, for the long run - and we will not lose.