1. There's a cause. There's a reason why we start. There's a reason why we finish. There's a reason why we gather together to raise money - and usually - it is some sort of shared story. A story that usually involves some measure of heartache - but a story with a foundation of love. It's BECAUSE we love our "survivors" that we walk/run/hobble/whatever!
2. There's community. This goes with the first one - but it's easier to do it together. Can you imagine raising $85k alone? It'd be ridiculously awesome - but one person running a 5K probably isn't going to raise that much! Instead, the community gathers under the cause to support, encourage, and manage to do something really cool.
But my favorite thing we can learn......
3. Together. Yes, there will ALWAYS be the folks who run the races as part of their healthy commitment to themselves and will "place" - BUT - there are FAR more of us who gather in a community, under the cause, and start & finish the race together. We go at varying paces. We stop when someone needs to tie their shoe or slow down if a sister's hip is popping ridiculously or take a moment to enjoy the incredible morning view in the park. Shoot - we may even be pushing a brother in a wheelchair up and down the hills of Forest Park or carrying kids who are worn-out and grown cranky. We may gripe and complain together, but we usually express such gratitude that we have the opportunity, the stamina, the community we need to "get through it."
How often do we do life - like real life - like these walks? How often are we willing to join under a cause and become part of a community? It seems like we're constantly trying to go it alone, to win, to be the best. It seems like we're constantly comparing ourselves - if only we XYZ'd.....THEN....then what? Then we'd be better, happier, stronger? I mean, perhaps - but for real? Aren't we better when we are present for each other? Aren't we better when we pause and take a breath to enjoy the scenery or tend to something that might later cause more hurt? Aren't we better when we quit comparing ourselves with those who started the race earlier - OR WORSE - aren't we better when we quit comparing ourselves with those who are behind us? Aren't we better when we can gripe and complain and still express gratitude?
2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (MSG) -
"We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.
We aren’t making outrageous claims here. We’re sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you. We’re not moving into someone else’s “territory.” We were already there with you, weren’t we? We were the first ones to get there with the Message of Christ, right? So how can there be any question of overstepping our bounds by writing or visiting you?
We’re not barging in on the rightful work of others, interfering with their ministries, demanding a place in the sun with them. What we’re hoping for is that as your lives grow in faith, you’ll play a part within our expanding work. And we’ll all still be within the limits God sets as we proclaim the Message in countries beyond Corinth. But we have no intention of moving in on what others have done and taking credit for it. “If you want to claim credit, claim it for God.” What you say about yourself means nothing in God’s work. It’s what God says about you that makes the difference."
Have we missed the point? Have YOU missed the point?
I think we forget too easily those who aren't at the race, yet were crucial to us even getting there. Yes, those who planned it and designed the shirts and ordered the medals. Sure. But what about those who raised us to be people with hearts? What about those doctors and scientists who ARE working toward a cure, using their mind more than their feet? What about those who couldn't be there but donated to the cause because they care? What about those who finished their journey and their race is done?
When you get to the end of the race of life...will you be alone? Or will you have a community surrounding you, helping you to expand your work? Will you be one who has encouraged those who are struggling or gave water? Will you have used your energy to push someone forward to help them excel too? Or are you too concerned about your reputation, your place, your time...
I know I'm guilty in forgetting it is less about the finish line, with all the mile markers, and more of how I run my race. It's less of what I can do alone, and more of what WE can accomplish TOGETHER.
So I don't know where you're at in your race. But - I DO know - When I get to the end of my race, I hope I hear God whisper, "Well done, good & faithful servant." (Matt 25:23) And I hope I'm not alone.
