We run the race before us, not always knowing what is around the bend.

{I am not a runner.}

On Saturday, we participated in a Run/Walk, a first for our family. My daughter, youngest son, and I opted for the 3K walk (but they actually ended up running, while I walked!) And the middle son and hubby decide — that morning– they will attempt the 5K run (instead of the walk). Not only am I not a runner… but neither is any one of us. 🙂

We had not been training, but at least the boys had been practicing running a mile, off and on the past month, during a weekly physical fitness class.

I walk at a leisurely pace, in a large loop, in a big park with scattered ponds, green space, ample trees, and a golf course.

The sun is welcome but so is the shade. At a couple of points along the circle, we are given cups of water.

Along the way, the 5K or 10K runners who are going around the loop again pass by in the opposite direction, panting, breathing hard, running fast or slow, each according to his or her own pace.

{All we want to do is finish this race.}

Though I may not be a runner, like it or not, I am still running a race. It is both a physical and spiritual journey.

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,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Scripture tells me that for this race, I need more than just a bit of shade and water to drink. I need to:

1) Throw off any weight or sin that is entangling me. Have I confessed my sin? Do I have any hindrances in prayer? What is keeping me from moving ahead? What are the obstacles to the finish line?

2) Run with perseverance the race marked out for us. I need to stick with it. Persevering means “to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.” (source: dictionary.com). Am I steady in my purpose and in the face of discouragement or obstacles?

Furthermore, the race marked out for us is one that is “marked out for us”. It isn’t anyone else’s race. It is our race. It is my race. It is your race. Our courses may be a bit different. A course has been established, marked, specifically for me, and for you; a unique trail that is different from all others’. We need to keep running in our own lane. Don’t compare distances, or times, or circumstances. We’re each on our own race.

3) Fix our eyes on Jesus. He is the pioneer. He is the perfecter of our faith. He knows what our  journey should entail. How did Jesus run the race? He endured the cross and its shame.

4) Focus on the prize. ( ^“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24). What am I running for? What is my goal? I need to be focused on the prize at the finish line. I should be running in such a way as to win; not in a half-hearted manner, not in a glum, poor spirited manner, but with the desire and fortitude to win.

Our run on Saturday was fun– and for a good cause (collecting funds for people all over the world who have lost limbs and are in need of artificial limb replacements).

We finished the race. And when it was over, my son asked about coming back again next year.

It might just happen… and who knows, maybe we’ll have a runner or two in this family after all. 🙂

***

Sharing with these sweet friends, won’t you join us?:

Laura at The Wellspring, L.L. Barkat at Seedlings in Stone, Jen at Finding Heaven, Michelle at Hear it on Sunday/Use it on Monday

And, counting to 1,000 with Ann at A Holy Experience, 781-790:

781. A beautiful day and time at the 3K Walk and 5K/10K Run
782. A bountiful yummy potluck
783. Spending an afternoon in the park with a group of other (homeschooling) moms, while the kids play. I had some very delightful conversations.
784. End of year cello and violin recital– always a listening pleasure
785. Girls night out with a few ladies, to have dinner with a friend who is moving away.
786. Baseball game– an exciting game in our rec league. The score is tied 12-12. It’s our team’s last chance at bat, final inning. My son Josh is at bat, and it’s a full count. My other son, Elijah, is on third base. The pressure is on. Josh is nervous, but makes a hit, and it is just enough to send my other son running to home base to score the winning run! Talk about excitement! 🙂 They won, and after last week’s disappointing loss to another team, the win was a sweet victory for the team.
787. Blueberry Crumb dessert– a recipe given to me from my mom, made by my daughter this past week. Always turns out good.
787. Picking up a few books at the library book sale for 50 cents each… more reading, it’s piling up! (But the pile is always high… )
788. The smell of lilacs wafting indoors through open windows; a magnificent scent!
789. Boys playing basketball outdoors
790. Reading a book of poetry with translated poetry from poets all over the world; incredible.