‘Be in something for the long haul’ – ‘to intend to continue doing something until it is finished, even if it is difficult or unpleasant’ (Collins Dictionary)
On Thursday I was at ‘Whitton Life’, our church ‘Community Hub’ on a local estate. Since 2000 there have been regular clubs and events. We’ve bought one shop, rented the adjoining shop, worked with support agencies, been involved with the local community. On Thursdays I wash up for the family coffee morning and lunch time café. Adrian, who led ‘Whitton Life in the early years, talked about ‘being in it for the long haul’. We have been – for 26 years.
In yesterday’s Lowestoft Journal: ‘Care Farm Celebrates 10th Anniversary’. Pathways Care Farm is based in 13 acres in north Lowestoft, that ‘has grown from a derelict plot to a haven supporting more than 60 people each week who are living with mental ill health, learning difficulties and dementia.’ Growing plants, looking after animals, the charity also supports the long-term unemployed and ex-offenders. The celebrations demonstrate Pathways intention to be there for the long haul.
Yesterday our friend Abbie posted: ‘13 years of living with type 1 diabetes. 13 years of choosing to live, to love, to enjoy, to experience, to smile, despite everything that a life with type 1 diabetes throws at me. Every single day, I make the choice that this condition will not beat me. I make this choice because 13 years ago there was a newly diagnosed 11-year-old Abbie, hopeful that by the time she was grown up, there would be a cure… And just like 11-year-old Abbie, I will keep hoping.’
Musing… Yesterday, Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday reminded us of caring for the world, sharing passionate concerns – in it for the long haul. Today I’m musing on my ‘long haul’ commitments – to my marriage, family, friends, God… to compassion, humility, integrity… actively serving, caring for others… learning from Adrian, Pathways, Abbie, Sir David and all who set me a ‘long haul’ example.
malcolmsmusings.org 