Today I ran my first race, a 5K. I wasn't too proud of my ambitions until I found where I parked my car after the race! At that point, I was ecstatic!
I've been "training" for this run for several months as a new jogger. Truthfully, I've never enjoyed running. Then it hit me one day that I was starting to like getting outside and pursuing a goal, so I found a race to keep me motivated. Soon, I was sick for a couple of weeks, the weather turned pretty cold in the morning, and the evenings were getting dark earlier. I struggled to get in my time on the pavement, but I kept plugging away. The race was coming up.
New running shoes were a prized purchase, as well as fashionable and form-fitting ear buds. I was gifted a runner's fanny pack for my keys and phone, gladly a much slimmer version than what I remember from the 80's. With all my new gear ready to go, I picked up my number and T-shirt, scouted out the unfamiliar territory (in the dark), and drove home excited.
While coming close to the race area bright and early this morning, I was diverted along the route to a designated parking lot, as the roads were coned off for the run. Eagerly, I parked, bolted from the car to join the mass of people heading toward the entrance. Obediently, I followed, never looking back.
At the starting line, I felt completely out of place. Fumbling with my worship music, trying to figure out where to line up as they announced the slower runners to position behind the more experienced and able, I finally found posters with estimated finishing times. Ah! I was in the last grouping. No fear though. No shame either. I'm here to do this thing!
Finally, we herd forward and are off. It didn't take long for people to pass me. Even dads with children not even old enough to be in the double digits were passing me. Then up ahead I noticed an elderly man carrying two American flags, one in each hand, and I thought, "There's my marker. Stay up with him." So, I did. He was probably 30 years my senior. Not sure that was an elaborate goal.
In the end, I completed the race in mediocre time, a smidgen ahead of the elderly warrior. He was an icon for many as they cheered him along the way. Hearing the encouragement directed toward him, encouraged me, as well. Traveling slow and steady, both of us found the finish line. My first race was complete.
I walked immediately past the welcoming crowd, grabbed my water, and headed toward what I assumed was the direction of my car. I kept walking. Nothing looked familiar, but I reasoned that I didn't know my surroundings because I just followed the crowd when I arrived. Then it started to rain. I stopped to look at my phone and get some direction, but I couldn't remember any landmarks that could help. Meanwhile, a friend texted me, so I asked for prayer support. I was getting nervous. It also didn't help that I left my glasses in the car. Geeze. Nothing like feeling handicapped! After several walks in endless circles, I went back toward the finish line and found a policewoman to ask for help. She asked me the right questions to try and puzzle piece me back to my car. It worked! An hour later, I found her! By that time, I was soaked, cold, and my legs were weary. I had traveled a 10K distance for a 5K race. The sight of my car was never so sweet. Next stop . . . Starbucks!
Finally home sitting by a fire with my comfy blanket across my lap, I'm so grateful for God's presence. On the drive to the race, the sunrise was glorious and there was a rainbow perched in the sky for miles. The rainbow, a symbol of God's promise and faithfulness, guided my heart as I began the day. Everything ahead seemed wonderful! I worshiped with excitement and joy for the ability to complete a goal. However, the wandering to find my car was a challenge. What I just finished had been quickly forgotten with my present struggle. Being lost in the rain in an unfamiliar city was not fun. It wasn't part of the goal either. But, God was with me. I prayed as I walked. I listened to His voice. I asked for help. I finally made it!
Life's race is an amazing goal. Our finish line is heaven and its immense beauty and comfort is more than we can ever imagine! Blessedly, along the way in this life, we'll experience joy, excitement, and disappointments. As we worship in the refreshing morning sunshine, take in God's promises, and fumble through the gloomy, rain-drizzled afternoons, we must purpose to keep the goal in view. Pray, listen, and run your race.
I'm glad I stepped out to do something different. The race was good for me. But, the next time, I'll bring a friend along for support and direction back to my car. It's been a good day, as all days are, because God is with me as I run alongside Him on the journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment