Running the Race with Perseverance

So, today, I did something I didn’t think I would do…I took a first step in training for a 5K. Thanks to Katy for her encouragement in the process…She said I did a great job and was actually speedy! Me? Speedy? Have I actually become faster the older I’ve become? I could handle that…Maybe it was the coffee I had beforehand that helped? ;) After the trial walk/run, I had my French Vanilla Northern Lite Latte MOOSED from Caribou. :) Maybe I should try that beforehand…

Anyways, we’ll see what happens. I am taking things one day at a time. Could it be possible for me to do a half-marathon at the end of February? I don’t know…First, one must be faithful in the little things, before we move on to the big ones.

I have always LOVED walking. It was always such a great stress reliever for me, especially when I was sitting for 8 hours a day at my previous job. I was never really a fan of running…For me, just keeping up and running the race of life is quite the process! But, I admit, I am someone who likes a challenge…And, when I found out when the Disney Princess Half-Marathon was, it gave me an extra incentive to possibly think about it.

It’s scheduled for February 26^th…For me and my family, that date has been quite significant over the last year and a half. February 26, 2010 is when my oldest sister Char passed away. February 26, 2011 is when my Grandma was laid to rest. Maybe…Just maybe, I could tackle this challenge on this special day…Do it in remembrance of them…It’s something to consider, and I’m not saying yes or no at this time. I like being open to possibilities, keeping the door open.

I was reminded that speed is not really the issue…It’s about endurance. How many times do we get excited about something, and then we burn up our energy, getting tired? When we were children, it was playing with a new toy. In a race, it’s about pacing yourself. Maybe in life we need to pace ourselves, too.

The author of Hebrews states, “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” (12:1, NIV).

Each of us has our own path to walk, race to run. And, it’s not about how fast we each go. The main thing is running the race with PERSEVERANCE. At the end of the race, I believe we will hear a “Well done,” for keeping the faith and never giving up.

Tonight, I watched the movie “Soul Surfer,” based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack. Here was a young lady who had everything going for her, and then BAM! Even the simplest of tasks before were a challenge now. As she said, “Fixing your hair isn’t rocket science. But, with one arm, it could just as well be a mission to Mars.” She had her moments of doubt, giving up. Her dad reminded her of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (NRSV). That passage has helped me through many times…When she was looking to surf again after the accident, when she was told it wouldn’t be easy, she replied, “I don’t need easy; I just need possible.”

I do believe anything is possible…I am a positive person by nature. I try to keep a balance, though, too, because sometimes things are not going to go the way you want them to or think they should go. Bethany struggled with the “Why?” question. Why did this happen to her? Her youth pastor, played by Country star and “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, said she didn’t know. We don’t know.

Sometimes, what we thought we have been called to do could change. Where does God want us? Where and how can we best serve Him and give Him glory?

After the accident, Bethany felt like she lost everything, but her family reminded her that she didn’t lose her life or her family.

We take a lot of people and things for granted…Most of the time, it’s the “simple things.” So, my question to you today is this: What or who are you most thankful for today? What keeps you going?

(Time for bed, if I’m going to put on my running shoes again in the morning…I need my cup of coffee before I do, of course. ;) )

~ Caroline