In the Marshmallow Test, a child is given one marshmallow and told that if they wait a minute without eating the treat, they will be given a second marshmallow as a reward.

The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study demonstrated a strong correlation between children who pass the Marshmallow Test and those who go on to experience success in adult life. It turns out that having the self-discipline to pursue delayed gratification is a good indicator of success.

Waiting can be one of the hardest things to do in life. It often brings a sense of uncertainty. It reinforces that we can’t control everything. And it usually seems to take forever.

Today’s reading is an encouragement to persevere, to keep doing what is right. God sees your efforts and, in the long term, there will be a reward.

Individually, as a nation, and across the world, it feels like a lot of things are being delayed or put on hold. We need to keep doing what is right: treating each other well, being honest and kind, applying ourselves with diligence, working together to combat this virus and support each other. Perseverance is harder in the short term, but it brings greater success in the end.