Tag: race

The Finish Line

Published on by marycatherinethomas1 Comment

“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!)

Count it Joy?

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James 1:2 (NKJV)

This scripture, always makes me go, “Really?”

At my age I have fallen into various trials, either of my own making or because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It happens. None of us goes through life without some type of trial. Trials can be short, or really long. Either way they are seasons of life that you wish you didn’t have to experience.

Long ago I figured out that I could go, “Woe is me” and wallow in the misery of what was going on, or I could try to understand this scripture.

I have also experienced trials where I know I need to lean on the Lord and although I try my best, I still fell into depression and discouragement. Not a great season to have.

I would like to think I have improved on this, that I have begun to find joy in all situations, but I cannot. Even in writing this last sentence there are too many “I”s”.

When we stop using I we can begin to find joy in all things. Our Heavenly Father gives us joy daily. Not the giddy happy joy like a celebration, but the joy that is a resident emotion deep withing us.

When you can look at a situation and not see the players in the trial, but see Jesus in the midst of it all. That is when we can begin to see and experience the joy in various trials.

Yes, I am learning to find joy in various trials. We all face them. I am learning because we never will escape trials. Plus, the next verse gives us good reason to count it as joy. “ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:3 (NLT)

A long distance runner does not start a race off looking at the 26 miles he has committed to. He sets goals in his mind as to where he needs to be next. As he passes each of his marks, his endurance is growing. When he has run past the finish line he rejoices, for he has run his race.

We also, are in this marathon of life. Our endurance will grow, and our faith will be tested, and we will find joy when we keep running.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrew 12:1 (NLT)