You've Got This! Don't Give Up!

What a day! Caroline and I ran a 10k race this morning,  and it was the most fun I've ever had running. I don't usually think running is fun, but today was an absolute blast. So what made the 6.2 miles so enjoyable? Two things: anticipation coupled with encouragement.

The anticipation was intense! Will it rain?  Will it snow? Will there really be 40 mph wind gusts?  (Yes, meteoroligists were predicting this kind of insane forcast in the middle of April.) What if we can't find a place to park? Should we eat something before the race? Where will we put our stuff? Will we be able to run the whole time? What if we don't wear enough layers?  What if we get too hot?  Where will we find each other when the race is over? And the list goes on and on. Ridiculous thoughts contantly run through my head. But with anticipation comes determination!

There is something about taking on a challenge that feels just out of your reach. And then it was go time! Just like that,  we were running down Monument Avenue with over 30,000 of our closest friends. People were lining the streets holding posters, dressed in costumes, and cheering wildly. There were bands every few blocks.

So instead of letting my mind fill with thoughts of defeat, and instead of my body telling me I was too old, I focused on all the other things happening around me.  I danced to the music and laughed with my daughter.  I read the posters and signs. I allowed cheers from the spectators to wash over me. I ran my race. I let encouragement from total strangers take me to the finish line faster and with more fun than I could have ever imagined.

All around you, every single day, people are running a race of some kind or another. Life is hard sometimes. The finish line seems so far away. Many people are running, trying so hard, but feeling like they can't make it. What if we stand on the sidelines and applaud for them? What if we encourage them with each step they take? Let's cheer for each other as we run this race of life. And as we run, let's keep our eyes on Jesus, so He may direct our steps.

"...And let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..."   ~Hebrews 12:1-2