“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

I ran track in high school. I was okay, nothing spectacular. I love a challenge, so when I first walked on the track I looked around the field to see what I’d like to do. I knew I could run and I enjoy running. I looked at the shot put and knew that wasn’t for me, nor was the high jump. The pole vault looked interesting, but I knew my limits, or so I thought.

I chose hurdles. I liked the discipline of hurdles. The numbering of the steps and the correct way to get over the hurdles. I had found my place.

I missed a couple of days of school which meant I missed track practice. I went to school, and after the day, I dressed for practice. I was confident. I knew what I was doing. I warmed up. I stretched. l took my place in my lane to practice. I ran, cleared the first hurdle. I continued taking a half step extra. I took out two hurdles. I got up from the ground, knees skinned, elbows stinging. I set the hurdles back up. I started to try again, only to fail. It was the last time I attempted the hurdles.

I moved on to another spot, the 220 and the 440. I knew I couldn’t mess that up. It was easy. On flat ground. Straight course. Go to the starting block, get set up properly, place hands behind the starting line. Look up at the finish line. The course in front of me.

Today, I thought of this. In my mind, while praying, I saw the track in front of me. I asked our Lord to refocus me. I know the finish line is being with the Lord. I know the finish line is closer than it was 20 years ago, but the goal is the same. Finish the race set before me.

We each have a course set before us. We may not be at the starting block, some of us may be closer to the finish line, some may be halfway there, but we need to look forward, keeping our eyes on the prize.

Today I asked our Lord to keep me focused on the race set before me. I don’t want to veer off path. I want to finish this race with strength. I want to accomplish all the Lord has for me. I want to finish this race and fall into the arms of my Lord, hearing Him laughing and cheering me on and telling me how good a race I ran.

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

(Postscript: After the hurdle incident, and moving to the 220 and 440, our coach asked me to be a student manager, which I did. I did run a few races, but I actually lettered in managing!)