Enduring Means or Goal Reached?

Pondering how it is that the things in our hearts which we treasure the most elude us so. Whether it be disciplines, or family, or friends, most seem just out of reach or less than they could be. The potential energy is nothing less than amazing, but I'm starting to question whether we should be chasing the end result, or just living the process as a goal. Is God after only our persistence knowing that we'll never quite "make it" this side of Heaven? If we land here we must therefore conclude the only sane option is to fall on the mercies of Almighty God and rely on His strength to carry us through; but still...how is it that we've fallen so far. How is it that we've managed to distance ourselves from all that is true? A faint echo still rings out in the quiet moments of life, when desperation and futility blend together in the murky waters of our daily lives. We hear it...and remember what we've never known. It beckons us. Listening is safe. Exploring is a dangerous proposition.