Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1
A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to finish and win. All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt then tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy heard the boy and slowed down to look back. They all turned around and went back, every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better!" All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood and the cheering went on for several minutes. -Author Unknown
I have heard that this is basically a true story, with a few exagerations. It doesn't seem to matter because people who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know one thing, what matters most in this life is more than winning for just ourselves, it is helping those along the way!
Running with patience is a paradox of sorts. While we may want to be aware of our footing so as not to trip and fall, running a race means moving as quickly as possible. Yet the scripture says to 'run with patience.' Why? Jesus wants us to be aware of those around us, paying attention to not only our needs... but to the needs of others as well. It may mean we have to stop. It may mean we have to run at a slower pace. It may mean we might have to help carry someone.
Winning means nothing if we have to trample over others! We win when we are able to show compassion and love, sometimes that means we must slow down or we must change our course.
When we get so caught up in winning, that we see and think only of ourselves, we have lost the purpose of the race! The purpose is keeping our eyes on Jesus for He is the light in our race. We look to Him and what He endured to finish His own race and we seek to be like Him.
A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to finish and win. All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt then tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy heard the boy and slowed down to look back. They all turned around and went back, every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better!" All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood and the cheering went on for several minutes. -Author Unknown
I have heard that this is basically a true story, with a few exagerations. It doesn't seem to matter because people who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know one thing, what matters most in this life is more than winning for just ourselves, it is helping those along the way!
Running with patience is a paradox of sorts. While we may want to be aware of our footing so as not to trip and fall, running a race means moving as quickly as possible. Yet the scripture says to 'run with patience.' Why? Jesus wants us to be aware of those around us, paying attention to not only our needs... but to the needs of others as well. It may mean we have to stop. It may mean we have to run at a slower pace. It may mean we might have to help carry someone.
Winning means nothing if we have to trample over others! We win when we are able to show compassion and love, sometimes that means we must slow down or we must change our course.
When we get so caught up in winning, that we see and think only of ourselves, we have lost the purpose of the race! The purpose is keeping our eyes on Jesus for He is the light in our race. We look to Him and what He endured to finish His own race and we seek to be like Him.
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