Just about 2 weeks ago I had the privilege of watching my dear friend, Brett, run the Detroit Marathon. He had been training for months beforehand to prepare for this day and his wife, kids, our friends and myself had all geared up to cheer him to the finish. A marathon is 26.2 miles and for some of us that are less than athletic that is an impossible fete, but Brett was ready! And when he crossed the finish line 26.2 miles and just about 3.5 hours later we hugged and cried and celebrated his success.
I was so impressed by Brett and the other runners. What an accomplishment! As I watched them run this scripture kept running through my mind. " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 This piece of scripture is so apropos for runners, but it's also a reminder for each of us. As I type this I am home taking a mental health day. Sometimes, life seems like a marathon that we are running. I can relate how I am feeling today as Brett felt on mile 20 of the marathon as he ran on Belle Isle. He shared that he felt that he no longer could run or even make his legs work. As I left work yesterday, I kind of felt the same way. But the second part of Brett's exhaustion is that just as he started to walk a fellow runner came up from behind and gave him a push and told him not to give up. To keep on running.
That's the same for us. We need to keep running our race. But I am reminded that I am unable to run my "race" if I am not preparing for the race. Lacking a real prayer life lately, I am seeing how necessary that is in my life. It is difficult to continue the christian walk if I am not united to the One who created me to run this race. Frequent communion with our Lord is imperative to this walk. It would be impossible for me to run a marathon currently because I am in no physical shape to do so. I haven't been preparing. It's also impossible for me to continue on my race if I am not spiritually preparing.
The second realization I have had though is just like the guy that gave Brett his push to keep persevering, I too need people in my life who give me those spiritual pep talks. I am lucky to have several, but certainly my friend Gail is always there to pick me up when I am down. God reminds us that we need to continue on the race and not allow our sins or failures to deter us from that. I am reminded of the support system that is necessary for running this race.
And if I continue to run this race and persevere, I know one day, I too will cross the finish line into eternal life. So, I will take this day to get a recharge both physically and spiritually and then get back on the path and continue my race.
(Thanks for the inspiration, B. xo)
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