When in the race called LIFE...

It occurred to me recently that the life I lead in Christ is not that unlike a road race. And while I have only run in two road races, they both had at least one thing in common... I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA of where I was going, but I knew the finish line was at the end. Before the races started, I consulted as much info online about the races, including studying the the maps provided by the race directors. And while they looked "reasonable", I was still clueless as to what the areas surrounding the streets looked like. My biggest fear in running the races was that I would make a wrong turn along the way and become completely lost or become disqualified for my "stupidity".

The directors promised lots of road signs (mile markers, arrows, even painted on trails if need be), countless spectators cheering me on and medical help should I need it. But I was still unsure... would it all be enough? All those things are well and good, but there is always a "mis-step". I read about a young woman once who signed up and trained to run in a 5K race but because of her own mistake ended up running a whole 25K. Or what if I made a wrong turn and ended up in a "bad" neighborhood? What if it wasn't bad and I was just too shy or oxygen deprived to ask for help? What about starting out the race in the dark or "extreme" cold or heat?

With all of these questions lingering despite my re-checking of the Frequently Asked Questions section, I made a decision. My goal was to make sure that I followed the crowd in such a way that I would not lose my way. Surely over 100 or even a 1000 people would not make the wrong turns. However that meant that I may have to run at a pace that I was uncomfortable with or even dare I say walk like some others. Who would want to walk in a road race? Not that I thought any less of them, but I had trained and trained hard. Walking was "beneath" me unless I absolutely had to or so I thought. Maybe following the crowd was not a great idea, but what other choice was there?

With the races underway, I learned valuable lessons. At times I did find myself running alone, because I am more of a turtle than a hare when it comes to running. Walking wasn't a bad thing; it was self-preservation!! And ya know what? That's okay...'cause I was a part of something bigger than myself, walking or running with or without the crowd. And yes, there was plenty of help along the way... road signs galore allowing me to check off the mileage run and look forward to what lay ahead, arrows telling me where to turn and when, people offering encouragement through cheers along the sideleines or even with that needed cup of water or Gatorade, another runner to follow or keep pace with, maybe even someone to talk with a little to give us the nudge to keep it up or to discover how far they had come. By the time I could see the finish lines, I was trying to muster every ounce of energy I have left to finish strong-- pure adrenaline!! I learned also another valuable lesson-- though the finish line is up ahead, NEVER start trying to sprint before you can! There is not enough adrenaline in the world to keep up the pace for the distance you have to go. The eyes are deceiving sometimes. The finish line will not move, so BE PATIENT.

As I follow God, I know not the plans laid out for me. I do not know where my finish line is or even how far I need to run. I don't even know how much stamina I have to endure the obstacles that lay ahead. But these I do know... He doesn't let me run by myself; He has provided me with safety in my journey; He will direct each step I take; He will provide me with the nourishment and sustanence I need to endure; He has provided me with a map (His word) though the roads are still unknown; He has placed people in my life to cheer me on from the sidelines or even to run or walk alongside of me to help me keep my focus; the list goes on and on. What drives me to finishing this life race is knowing that someone else accomplished it first. Thank you, Jesus, for paving the way for me in this life race! You have made all of the challenges so much easier to face when I have you as my guide!

The sweetest thing about a road race for me is making it to that finish. To say that the race has been accomplished despite some trials in training or the fears of the unknown throughout the race is an AMAZING feat. What was cool about the finish at the Grand Rapids Half Marathon is that as I crossed the finish my name was announced and the race director was there to give me hand shake and congratulate me on my accomplishment. I can only imagine the greeting God (Christ) gives us at Heaven's gate as we mark the end of life race. Praise God as I cannot wait to fall into His arms with my race completed!