the glow

On Sunday morning the sun was blinding when I drove to church.  I took highway 153 across town , the way I always go.  This Sunday, as I crossed the river, squinting thru my sunglasses, I could see there were orange cones up, blocking one of the lanes of traffic – And I remembered: it was the 5 Bridges Race.  There, in the other southbound lane were runners.  Not just runners- these were marathoners. Atop the bridge was a big sign with a 16 on it.

Compared to them, I’m a novice.  I’ve never run 16 kilometers.  Not even close. In fact, I’ve only completed one 5k before, and it took everything I could muster to cross the finish line of that race.   I slowed my driving a bit as I passed the runners so I could catch a glimpse of what it looked like to race in a marathon.

Some looked strong and vibrant.  Some looked a little weary.  Mostly, they  seemed to glow with determination.  I considered honking my enthusiasm, or rolling down my window to cheer them on, but I thought better of it.  Instead, I just whispered to myself, “Keep going runners, keep going.”  And as I said it, I felt a catch in my throat – and my eyes began to tear up.  I’ve had my moments trying to be a runner, feet pounding pavement, sweat pouring, exhaustion ruling my thoughts.  But that’s not why I identified with those runners so keenly.

Not long ago I had one of those moments, where it felt harder than I was expecting.  While running my own race, I met exhaustion and impossibility at the same intersection. But first,before I tell you more of the encounter, let me be clear: I live a wonderful life, filled with ease and goodness. Compared to how others live in this world, my life is golden.  I’m aware that my troubles could seem small to some, but large to others.  Regardless, every once in a while I have to make the choice again.

I have to choose to keep running.

I can either stay in bed with the covers over my head and hide, or I can be determined to go the next mile.  A few days ago, I almost decided to stay in the bed for a bit.  I’m just telling you the truth.  I was tired, and I was discouraged.  It was a very dark moment for me and I almost didn’t want to be determined anymore.

But, I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit is my coach.  He always comes along side at the right moment.  I felt Him whisper to me, “Keep running, my runner, keep running.”  And I could.   I found something miraculous to be truer than true.  Most everyone who is a runner in the Christian life already knows this.  His grace will extend the length of my race – whether it feels like a 5K, a half or a full marathon.  One foot in front of the other – He applies His strength to each step.  I’ve known this in theory almost my entire life.  But, as I become more aware of my need, it is so empowering to feel his promises fulfilled in real time.

Psalm 36: 5 says, Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;  Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 119: 111-112 says, Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.

and one of my favorites, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

His lovingkindness reaches to the Heavens and back, His grace can fill any void, no matter how cavernous, and His goodness is from everlasting to everlasting.   This is the God who offers the strength, the one who is coaching from the sidelines,  encouraging “Keep going, my dear one, keep going!”

Heavenly Father, Help me to move in your grace and trust in your goodness.  Let me glow with your divine determination, so that I can keep on keepin’ on. All of the glory of a well finished race goes to You!  amen.