Preparation began the day prior to the event. My son took it easy at practice to allow
muscles to rest and rejuvenate. The
night came and he slept a solid 8 hours.
His body knew exactly what to do for the event; his mind just needed
focus and determination. He trained for
weeks; but, fear of failing would slither into the situation.
Morning came and my son popped out of bed, dressed
for the event, fueled his body and laced up his shoes. The event: 3.1 miles across hilly
terrain. Each step taken toward the
finish line revealed the hours of training put forth over the summer. My son wanted to sleep in, would rather sit
inside and threw out words of frustration throughout the summer. We pushed him to get up and get moving. We pushed slightly through his resistance;
but, ultimately left the decision in his hands whether to quit or keep going. Some days, he quit; other days, he chose to
keep going despite the lack of motivation; and still a few days, he ran with
full determination toward a specific goal.
Standing at the start line, my sweet son mapped out
a plan for the race. He understood what
pace should be maintained. He was bound
and determined to win his age group. The
whistle blew to start. My son paced
well, picturing the finish line with every step forward and keeping his mind
focused on the prize. Determined, he
ran. Motivated, he paced. Focused, he finished.
We cooled down together and discussed aspects of the
race. He was unsure of where his time
would place in the standings. He ran the
fastest race thus far in life. Sprinting
across the finish line brought joy, revealed results of hard work and sent his confidence
through the roof. As we walked around, I
reminded him to focus on the improvements in his own time and avoid comparing
to others. He worked hard throughout the
summer, we pushed him and it showed that day.
My son received a medal that day representing 3rd
place. Frustrated, angry and
disappointed, my son sat with his head down.
Once he processed through the initial emotions of defeat, these same
emotions that tore down in the moment began to build a bridge to motivation. He set new goals, focused on a plan and moved
forward. He knew the results did not
determine worth. . .but, did determine his next steps.
How often in life do we allow circumstances to
determine our worth? How often do we
stew in defeat? We prepared endless
hours, dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s. The day comes, failure lurks above and we
freeze in our tracks. We lose focus, put
aside motivation and squash determination.
Why try if our standing is less than perfect?
We work too hard here to feel desirable by the world’s
standards. Each day sets us up for a choice: step out focused on the world or walk boldly
with God? What are you preparing for
right now? Take time to answer. . .
Preparing for this world leaves emptiness. Exhaustion comes after long hours training
for a prize that fades away quickly.
Determined to finish, we run in the wrong direction. Motivated by pride, we fail to pace. Focused on standings in the world, we finish
unfulfilled. We may receive a prize, a
promotion, an “Atta boy” or a relationship. . .but, none of it lasts. We ran the wrong race.
Preparing for Eternal life in Heaven fills our
heart, mind and soul. Peace follows the
hours of training your mind to focus on Truth.
Determined to finish, we run toward God.
Motivated by love, we pace with patience. Focused on Heaven, we finish as a good and
faithful servant. Receiving the prize
planned by God lasts for eternity. Our
bodies were made for God’s race; our minds just need focus, determination and
motivation. God will push you when
needed; but, ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Are you running the correct race?
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
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