Someone once said, "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." The same can be said for parenthood. Parenthood requires courage, perseverance, determination, and, of course, an unending supply of parently love. As you continue to search for purpose in everyday life (while, at the same time, balancing all your paternal responsibilities), you'll encounter your fair share of roadblocks and stumbling blocks. These situations require courage, patience, and above all, perseverance. As an example of perfect perseverance, we Christians need look no further than our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus, finished what He began. Despite the torture He endured, despite the shame of the cross, Jesus was steadfast in His faithfulness to God. We, too, must remain faithful, especially during times of hadship. Are you tired? Ask God for strength. Are you discouraged? Believe in His promises. Are you frustrated or fearful? Pray as if everything depended upon God, and work as if everything depended upon God, and work as if everything depended upon you. With God's help, you will find the strength to be the kind of parent that makes your Heavenly Father beam with pride. Perhaps you are in a hurry for God to reveal His plans for your life. If so, be forewarned: God operates on His own timetable, not yours. Sometimes, God may answer your prayers with silence, and when He does, you must patiently persevere. In times of trouble, you must remain steadfast and trust in the merciful goodness of your Heavenly Father. Whatever your problem, He can handle it. Your job is to keep persevering until He does.