Last Updated on October 21, 2020 by Stacy Averette
I didn’t sign up for this, I thought to myself. I was sure I knew what it would be like, look like, feel like. I was wrong. If I had known I might have made a different choice. Played it safe. Stayed home.
But I would have missed so much.
That 5k.
It was the first race of the year for us as we run #milesformercy. The 3.1 miles should be easy. We’ve run farther in our training. No worries.
But it was colder than I’d expected. And there were mud holes and briars and several hills.
But you wouldn’t know any of that by looking at this race day photo:
We ran together, side by side, step for step. Throughout the race there were encouragers and cheerleaders who knew the route. They clapped and chanted and cheered us on at every obstacle until we reached the finish line.
Life Unexpected
Life is full of surprises, too. There are unexpected obstacles throughout our race. But this is our hope:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
If you’re weary in your race today I’m cheering you on, reminding you that the finish line is just ahead and as a child of God, you do not run alone. He is with you, running side by side, step for step.
With Jesus,we can start and finish our race with joy and a smile, no matter what obstacles we face.
I’m linking up with Britta, today for the Meet Me in the Middle Project. Click to see what it’s all about!
So true. In life’s greatest struggles is when it’s most evident that we are not running this race alone!
No tears or anything of the sort here. Just really feeling blessed to be counted as a friend to you both.
The feeling is mutual, friend.
You do not run alone… Beautiful and so true! Thanks for this!
Thank you, Mandy.
What truth here. I don’t really like to run, but I’ve run a few 5Ks and I’m always reminded of endurance and the great cloud of witnesses while I’m out there hoping to make it to the finish line. I’m glad I linked up next to you at Britta’s place!
Thanks, Kristin!
OK…this made me cry. Not a loud or wailing cry (thankfully), but the kind where your nostrils flare and you squeeze your eyes and your nose turns red anyway. Tears don’t spill…but you look like they did. Your words and collage made me picture the race…and the cloud of witnesses (Oh, here I go again with the squeezing of the eyes). We are not alone! Others are cheering us one! I love thinking about that 🙂
Oh how well I know that “cry”! Every day the Enemy tries to convince me that I am alone. I am fighting back! Thankful you invited me to participate!