Spiritually Speaking
Completing the course
September 7, 2018
What in the world would make an otherwise intelligent (and handsome) man in his mid-50s drive more than five hours to watch an event that lasted less than 15 minutes? You may have guessed it. There was a grandchild involved! And, judging from the number of other grandfatherly looking guys in attendance, it must have been the right thing to do. This particular event featured a vast array of elementary-aged kids, including several first graders (some who came from even farther away than Becky and me for the chance to run through the puddles in the park).
Mind you, some of these “athletes” were less thrilled about the occasion than others. One team of about 10 well-healed youngsters went through a lengthy series of stretches, then followed their coach in a gentle jog while chanting, “I can do” (I can do) “all things through” (all things through) “Christ who gives me strength” (Christ who gives me strength). For the record, many of them were among the first to finish the course. However, one little boy, whose legs were not quite as long as the others’, was closer to the end of the line.
Just behind him came kids who made you wonder why in the world they had come. One young man, walking and whining, was followed closely by a woman who must have been his mom. She spoke nothing but encouraging words as she herded her little sheep toward the finish line. Other parents, grandparents, coaches, friends and fellow competitors were yelling encouragement as well. He finished the race (with a little kick at the end) and received his reward (a really snazzy medal).
The Christian walk has a lot in common with a kid’s cross-country meet. There are lots of people you’ve never seen before, trying to complete the same course. Some may seem to run easily on a course that takes all your best efforts and threatens to defeat you. There are times when quitting seems the best possible option. But there are so many who care so deeply and encourage so well that you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and pressing on toward the goal. “I can do ... all things through ... Christ who gives me strength!” See you Sunday!
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