Race Reflections

As I was training for a race, someone challenged me to apply the discipline and endurance needed and the challenges faced in the race to my faith. This was birthed out of that challenge upon completion of my first marathon in December of 2003.

I find this faith a constant battle, one that is fought over ownership and devotion of the heart. My heart, it easily turns from you in search of other loves, ones that are tangible but quickly lead to disappointment. I pray Your efforts to win my heart would set me free, that instead of running after the things of this world, I might focus on You, keeping watch over my heart.

As in the marathon, my body becomes tired and even with the end close by, my heart feels weak. Knowing that other people are counting on me and seeing the end, having it in view spurred me on to finish the race. I set out on my run full of energy and life, knowing my goal. All the while aware of the difficulties and great distance I must travel to reach the end. Recognizing these hurdles, I found someone running at my pace to run beside that for one another we might provide encouragement and carry each other along the way. We both had the same goal and vision. Our lives brought us to this place where our paths would meet, and so for a time journey through this life together. As the race progressed, there were those along the way to encourage and inspire, but not to run beside. Without their encouragement I surely would have become discouraged. My body began to grow weary as did the one beside me. But we would not give up. We had trained for so long and come so far that no amount of pain or trials would stop us now. The road became long and the encouragement along the way began to lessen. The weariness of my body made its way into my mind. Now both were against me, but my heart would not quit. The hopes and dreams of finishing were too strong, no amount of pain could kill them. Knowing the one was right beside me running the race as well was an encouragement to me. Neither of us would quit when one was weak the other there to carry. My thoughts of doubt and despair now growing stronger. Even encouragement seemed as a cruel tease to me. The mind is so powerful. So close to the finish and it tells me to give up. "Why put yourself through all this pain? Quit now, you cannot do it." But the heart was stronger than the mind. And as I approach the finish, tears well up inside and pour forth from my eyes. I am so close to home. Everyone I saw along the way is there to cheer me on as I cross the finish. The goal for me was not to compete, that I might boast, but to touch the lives of those I came in contact with along the way until at the end I arrived.

This race of life I dedicate to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave up everything that I might know Him and walk with Him through this life. I owe Him everything.