The Race

This original blog draft was something to the effect of, "I came, I saw, I conquered..."  ...all of this based on my race training tactics and ultimately the results of my efforts.  However, this approach has been kyboshed based on some recent experiences.  Realizations if you will.

Tonight I put on my Labor of Love Race shirt that was distributed with the race packets yesterday.  I looked in the mirror and became fixated on the verse that resides on the front of the shirt.  "...run with endurance the race that is set before you."  (Hebrews 12:1)  Let that one simmer for a while while I dive into a few real life applications that have bubbled up here in the past couple of days. 

Sunday evening I suited up in my apron and hair net at the Haven as I do on a regular basis.  Every time I go I always walk away feeling like I have received more than I gave, but it is not always a result of a particular experience.  Or, in this case person.  His name is Joel.  Joel was the team leader on Sunday evening.  Accepted to the program at the Haven - the program which will help guide him to (once again) become a positive contributor to society through rehabilitation programs, housing, in-house work and meals which are provided to him - Joel's race is a bit different than mine.  Sporting some pretty spectacular ink may at first glance give you some preconceived notions about who this person is.  What he is about.  What he aspires to be.  I had the great privilege to spend the evening working along side of him, talking with him and learning from him.  What an incredibly intelligent person whose life steered off course for a while.  He's back on track.  He's training.  He's running his race with endurance and I will add, with grace.  It is my hope that he continues to endure, to press toward the finish and does so with the encouragement of those around him.

As a few of us were standing on the sidelines waiting for the one mile racers (the kids) to come in to the finish my friend Jill's sister, Becky, was cheering on every single person who was making the approach to the final stretch.  With each passing runner, she was clapping and cheering them on to keep going.  "You're doing great!"  "Keep going!"  "You're almost there!"  I looked at my friend Scott and said, "It is the people like Becky who stand along the race course cheering you on that keeps you running when you feel like you cannot go any further."  It is those people who carry you to the next mile marker when you doubt your physical and mental stamina to carry you to the finish.  Course cheerleaders prove to be an invaluable resource when you are running a race and enduring the course.

This evening I called my friend, Rose, on the way home from work.  She asked me to give her a ring, so I did.  The last time we saw each other was in California in June.  We had a splendid time together - as we always do when we meet up.  Tonight her tone was different.  It was sober.  The exchange of pleasantries was short-lived and she cut to the chase.  "Lisa, I have breast cancer.  There are some people you just really don't want to tell this news to and you are one of them."  My heart sank.  Rose is undergoing chemo, has endured surgery and will continue to undergo treatment through the end of the year.  Her race is one of life or death.  Her life depends upon her endurance.  She's an incredibly strong woman.  Terribly fun.  Full of life.  I will take a page from Becky's book and cheer her on to the next mile marker for as long as she can put up with me. 

It's ironic how life is constantly put into perspective.  Funny how all of the little nuances of a Labor Day race and a Bible verse can change the message of what "racing" really means.  Run your race with endurance.  Be a race supporter.  Train like your life depends on it - because it does.