WD-40 Diligence

     I read this morning about common household lubricant that I have used many times both in my work and my personal projects.  WD-40 is great for loosening nuts, bolts and hinges; for preventing rust, and (according to one web site) for 2000 other uses.  It's like duct tape...you always have to have some around and it's good for lots of things.
     I learned that WD-40 was developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen, who was attempting to create a formula to prevent corrosion in nuclear missiles, by displacing the standing water that causes it.  He made 39 unsuccessful attempts, but on the 40th try, Norm got his Water Displacement formula correct.  Water Displacement, 40th formula, or WD-40 was first marketed in 1958.  The original name of his company was the Rocket Chemical Company.  The name of the company was changed in 1969 to WD-40 Company after what was then its only product. 
     I'm no scientist, but I know I love having my WD-40 around when I need it.  I'm glad Norm didn't get tired of trying new formulas and quit after 30 tries.
     If a person can be diligent about something like that, I have something to learn about diligence in my life too.  Maybe you are like me and find it difficult to hang in there with a good attitude and with strong effort when you've been working at it for what seems to be a very long time with no progress.  Your vision seems to dwindle and your zeal wanes.  Maybe you're ready to just give up.
     I'd like to encourage you to keep at it today.  Develop some WD-40 diligence.  Your dream isn't likely to be water displacement.  Norm Larsen took care of that for us 60 years ago.  But it is likely that God has planted a dream in your heart that you need to keep pursuing.  Maybe this can serve as a bit of encouragement to do that today.
     Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, ESV).

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