We pulled into the parking lot of the Diocesan office to let Bishop Alard know we could take no more. Bruce found a parking space, pulled in and put the car in park, turned the key and pulled it out of the ignition. He looked at me, grabbed my hand, and released a mournful sigh, and he said with the distinct sound of sorrow, and yet his question rang with determination, “Are you ready?” I looked wearily up at him, and put my free hand over his and said, “I support you all the way. Yep, I’m ready.” We took deep breaths, unbuckled our seatbelts, and headed in. Bruce opened the door for me; we walked in gripping each others hands, united in our decision to leave the struggle behind, to quit no matter what. We began walking up the stairs, heads held high in one moment, and hanging down with extreme sadness in the next. We approached the receptionist and announced that we were there to see Bishop Alard. The loaded question… Struggle, take it or leave it? What would you do? I am willing to bet that if you are in the midst of the pressure of struggle right now, you want to throw your hands up and say, “Leave it!” In fact, I would also imagine that you’ve asked God “What in the world are you up to, God?!”
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3–5 NIV