The Race...

From the first cry, eyes still closed, we enter into this race. We had no choice. Someone chose for us but also someone prepared it for us. It's our race now though. We must participate. We can slow walk it. We can sprint it. We can jog it. We can run it. We can fast pace walk it. Whatever we decide, and it's ours to decide, we must participate. We can't tap out or take a time out. We can't substitute or forfeit. Remember, it's not a game. It's a race. You think you're not prepared. Well from the start you might not be. You didn't think there would be hurdles or high jumps or bridges to cross. No one told you about the potholes in the road. Oh, and the mountains! Some you can go over and some you can go around. You weren't warned about the valleys. You didn't know to watch our for those who will try to get you to run their race. Are you looking at and listening to the cheers of encouragement and motivation from the sidelines as well as the criticism that maybe you're moving too fast, too slow or in the wrong direction? Do you even know what direction to go in? You can't be still. You will get run over, knocked down or crushed. If you're still too long, it'll be hard to get up and continue the race, but you can. Did anyone say the race would be easy? On the contrary, as you get further into the race, you will see how hard it can be. There are only 2 outcomes from the race. Some will throw in the towel. If you pay close attention, you will see that the further in the race you get, the more prepared you become and the wiser you get. Let me reiterate, it's not easy. But remember, the way has already been prepared by someone else. That someone is watching our race, maneuvering, manipulating, and shifting some things we'll never know about. He's stepping in when asked to help and you will ask, either knowingly or subconsciously.

The weather will not always be favorable during the race. Everyone you start with will not continue the entire race with you. It will get lonely although truth is, you'll never be alone. Remember the One who prepared the race? He's always with you. You can call on Him. You should call on Him! The roads are rough, but the way is smooth. The One who prepared it made it smooth and if you look closely, you'll see it's paved in red (crimson). You'll get tired, worn out, depleted, frustrated, and agitated. You'll experience pain, sadness, loss, and disappointment. Not to make the race seem undesirable, there are many highlights during the race. You will see the smiles of those cheering you on. There will be times to celebrate certain mile markers, time to rejoice over the hurdles you jumped, times to acknowledge that mountain you climbed and that "one more mile" you pushed through. This race has ups and downs, highways, back alleys, overpasses and service roads. Sometimes the scenery is more beautiful than the eye can behold and other times you'll want to just cover your eyes completely. So, what's the deal with this race anyway? Why are we even in it? As you make your way through this race, it will be revealed to you that it was never just about you. Those people you encountered during the race had a purpose. How did you interact with those who cheered you on, with those who distracted you? Were you grateful? Did you inspire. We get better as we make others better. They are watching our race. They see us running sometimes with endurance and other times on a wing and a prayer, but let them see us finish. There will be really hard times, but oh my, the prize that awaits at the finish line is so much greater that all of the terrible things put together.

RUN, WALK, JOG, SPRINT you race. Whatever it takes, however long it takes, let them see you finish. If you see someone being still too long, knocked down, or crushed, pick them up and help them get back in the race. No matter what, don't give up, don't give in.
FINISH THE RACE!!

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NKJV)

copyright 2023 K. Wilson