For the moment

all discipline

     seems painful

     rather than pleasant,

but later it yields

the peaceful fruit

   of righteousness

to those who have been

       trained by it.

            Hebrews 12. 11

(See this situation differently,

not as hardship

      or affliction

      or woe is me,

but as training

       and strengthening

for the time we are in,

      for the time to come,

the now and the next,

or for the welfare

  and inspiration of others.

Every runner knows

that every step,

every effort,

every workout,

        strengthens.)

O LORD,

Help us to not shrink back

from the discipline

that makes us stronger

                in You.

Help us to realize

You are preparing us

   for what is to come

   and for what is now

   and even for today.

Help us to get up

and not just do something

but embrace it

and keep our eyes on You

       through it.

We may not know why

   but we can trust You in it.