Don't get me started on the actual voice and talent, okay; I may be in the fantasy boat. In addition to being near perfection, this man could be every woman's potential disaster. Womanizer? Arrogant? And desired by almost every woman on the planet?
Not traits at the top of my list. And don't even get me started on the 'I'm a musician so can't communicate my actual feelings in person so must write them in a song' excuse, Man up. Again, I am only assuming. However what I do know is that this man has written several albums about heartbreak, love and life. And he just keeps going. There must be some truth to his following? People obviously connect.
This would be the part where I could start drawing conclusions between Songs of Solomon and "Your Body is a Wonderland". Maybe another time. I'm going to be much more spiritual.
If John Mayer has taught me anything – apart from the art of a serenade, it is perseverance. Time and time again Mayer sings about the "Heart of life" or how we should hold onto "whatever will get you through" or quite simply, our "belief".
Perseverance strikes me as a complimentary quality. I am always in admiration of people who have hung on, keep showing up and push on through despite wishing they could wake up in a few years time. I can vouch that it doesn't make life any less difficult, but it does mean that you don't miss out on the rainbow. That's where the reward lies. I like to think I have perseverance in me, although maybe it is just stubbornness?
Either way, there is something significant in not giving up
It can make us stronger. It can draw us closer. It can make us all the more real and relatable. It can testify to the truth that our God is good. The perseverance that I am talking of shapes us.
This is where Mayer's wisdom plays a part, he sings:
Down to the wire
I wanted water but
But I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me, testing me
Unfortunately, we can't deny the fact that we will be tested. Our faith will come under fire and circumstances will shatter our worlds. Choosing to ignore these facts will only result in a big fact brick hitting your face leaving a note saying "HEY....LIFE HAPPENS", and it will hurt. So, what do we do with it?
When we feel like this wasn't the 'plan' we ordered from God, do we choose to walk with him anyway? Or do we turn around and say take back your fire – I ordered water.
Unfortunately, the hand has already been dealt. Sorrrrrrrrrrry. I guess these are the moments that fight or flight kick in.
So.... why do we give up?
The reasons are endless. It's too hard. It's too painful. The hill is too high.
But really, we don't want to work for the rainbow. We don't want to work for the freedom, we want it now. We can't understand how walking through fire is a better option than what we are currently facing is. We know it is going to be more painful, but do we think it is worth it?
Unfortunately, I am part of the 'I' generation. "I" being the iPod, iPad, iPhone generation. We want it all, all about us, and in an instant. I believe this has crippled our fight. And with no fight, it's hard to grasp the worth.
The fact that I can have an instant conversation via my social media weapon of choice or personal cell phone eliminates my need for patience. I don't need to wait, I can find out now. If not, surely Google will tell me?
The lack of patience translates into our lack of perseverance. We're use to the easy road. And if we're honest, giving up is usually appears to be the easier option. It's a whole lot easier to say "It's just too hard" than try to trust a God who promises greatness although right now my Jeremiah 29:11 prophecy seems lost.
So why persevere?
If I'm running a race, as Jesus says I am, I want to pace myself. I want to climb a mountain as a mountain appears. I sometimes feel like Jesus is saying "Chloe, do you want to climb this mountain now? Or would you prefer to wait five years and climb it when it is higher?" I'm definitely no mountaineer so a smaller mountain sounds good to me.
Perseverance causes us to fight. It causes us to stand up and do something about our situation. Perseverance does not have a place in a pity party but calls you out of it. Perseverance promises a rainbow.
Perseverance is what it takes, to take us higher.
Wise words Mayer, I guess you're not just a pretty face.
Chloe Pryor is a young adult living in Auckland New Zealand. Studying a Bachelor of Dance, in her spare time she teaches young children dance, ballet and jazz, whilst volunteering hours in the youth ministry of her local church. Chloe has a passion for God and serving the local church with a defined heart for women.
Chloe Pryor's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/chloe-pryor.html