Running the Race

Though I have been a runner for several years now, I have found a passion for racing.....a passion that I didn't realize I had.  There's just something so refreshing and inspiring about running a race, with hundreds of other runners.  It motivates you to run faster than normal.  It challenges you to push the limits of how strong you are.  And there's a great sense of accomplishment that comes when you cross the finish line and hear friends, family, and strangers cheering for you.

I have made it my personal goal to run more races....and decrease my time with each one!  Additionally, I have decided to push myself to run some LONGER races too!  Recently when I ran my first 10K race, I spent most of the race quoting Philippians 4:13 over and over to myself....

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

I made it to the end.  I finished the race.  I struggled greatly during the race, but I finished....WITHOUT walking during any of it!

A few weeks ago, I ran a 5K race with my mom close to where she lives.  This race was particularly special to me because my dad came along to watch the race.  During my childhood he worked nights, so never was able to attend any of my special events.  As you can imagine, it was pretty exciting to have him come watch me.  I felt like a little kid.  Overjoyed that my dad would be there.

As the race began, the thought that permeated my mind was "I have to run fast so that I make my dad proud."  Now, I know he would be proud no matter what.  But I had a deep motivation to run like I never had before.  I knew my all time personal record on a 5K race was 37:00.  Yes....I know....I'm slow.  Slow and steady....

My first few steps of the race were noticeably faster than normal.  I cringed as I wondered if I could keep up the pace or if it would tire me out too fast.  But I kept the pace....the whole time knowing that my dad was waiting for me at the end. 

Run fast.  Take faster steps.  I'm strong.  I can do this.  I can beat my personal record.  My dad's waiting for me.  1 mile down...just over 2 miles left....I can do this.  Faster.  I'm not tired...I'm strong.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I can pass that lady in front of me.  Keep going.  It's almost the end.  1 more mile.  My dad is waiting for me.  I have to do my best today.

These were the thoughts going through my head.  I stayed focused on my pace...and keeping my speed.  I ignored the signs of fatigue and just wanting to stop and take a break.  I had a reason to keep going....my dad was at the finish line.

As I neared the end and rounded the corner in the park, I glanced at my watch and saw that it said 32 minutes.  SERIOUSLY?????????  I only have a short while to go.  This was the fastest I had EVER run!

Soon I saw the finish line and glanced around and saw my dad waiting there.  My speed picked up again and I ran through the finish line at 33:27.  My personal record.  I did it.  I beat my time by over 3 minutes.

My desire to make my dad proud motivated me and pushed me to a level that I had not gone to before. 

That makes me think.................

What about our Heavenly Father?

We are all running a race, arent we?  We are all pressing on to win the prize.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:14

We all have a Heavenly Father who is waiting at the finish line.  He is cheering us on.  He wants us to finish our race strong...and to press on. 

Just as I was motivated to run my best race for my earthly father, I should be motivated to "run my race" and make my Heavenly Father proud.  Each and every day of our lives we are moving forward in this race.

Are we making Him proud?  Are we doing the best that we can?  Are we moving forward...or are we taking a break on the sidelines?  Do we find strength in Him to press on?

"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." -Hebrews 12:1