I spend a lot of time at track meets this time of year- junior high meets, high school meets, coed meets. I enjoy watching the temporary adrenaline rushes careen across the finish lines. It’s inspirational to watch the strength and talent that God pours into young bodies crossing the finish line victorious and joyous while their teammates share in the momentary elation. For just a moment we’re all victors by virtue of the shared witness- the satisfaction is palpable. As much as I love and enjoy those moments, I’m twice as inspired by the athlete that trips over a hurdle and yet gets up, the runner that leaves everything on the track only to finish 2nd by a hairsbreath, the athlete that is the 4th runner in a relay for a team in last place yet still puts every last breath into finishing to the best of their ability. I’m inspired by the disabled individual running down the track not at their top speed but at a pace that allows them to look around, wave, drink in the moment and squeeze every possible drop of exuberance possible out of the cheering stands.
This is what God intends for us to get out of life. The pure moments of perseverance not focused on winning but on finishing the race- no matter what. Our purpose is to finish breathless our eyes on the finish line, not on our competitors or obstacles, but on God Himself. So run, walk, crawl, roll if you have to – but don’t stop. Keep your eyes on God, our ultimate plumb line, and finish in His arms while He shares in the moment of your mutual victory.
A Peace of Humble Pie 