On Mother’s Day my wife, Tammy, opened our front door only to find a very large turtle lounging just outside. It scared her half to death. Through the screen door we kept checking on our persistent new friend. As the afternoon wore on, my daughter and I did a little research and determined it was probably a snapping turtle. We also discovered that the only reason a turtle of this kind would be out of the water would be to find a place to lay eggs. Uh oh.

So we poked and prodded it a bit. But to no avail. The turtle stayed just where it was. It wouldn’t move. It was stubbornly persistent.

Finally, we all had to leave the house to go somewhere. What would we find when we returned? Would the turtle still be there? Would there be eggs and a turtle? Would there be only eggs? Would it be gone?

When we got home, we opened the front door and the turtle was gone. We haven’t seen it since.

It was a little lesson in persistence and perseverance. Hold your ground until you reach your goal.

The other day Pastor Rick Warren tweeted: You never know how close you are to a breakthrough. It may be just around the corner. #DontQuit

Though Mrs. Turtle was made to be uncomfortable, in an unfamiliar atmosphere, and ready to strike if necessary, she was stubbornly persistent. The “breakthrough” came when she was able to find her way to safety came because she was patient. Her breakthrough was right around the corner. When we left, and stopped bothering her, she made her break for it. She hopefully found a more appropriate place to lay her eggs. It may just have been the perfect Mother’s Day for Mama Turtle.

So be like Mama Turtle: Hold your ground until you reach your goal. You never know how close you are to a breakthrough. It may be just around the corner. Don’t quit.

What is it that you are ready to give up? Could it be that the breakthrough is just around the corner?

What advice would you give to someone who is ready to give up their goal or their dream?