Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:13-3 (The Message)
This past Saturday I went to a swim meet. It was quite exciting. There were no Michael Phelps there but it was a notable event. You see, it was my middle grandchild's very first swim meet. Yes, the notoriously astute and absolutely lovely, Anna is now a Newberry Eel. Graceful and agile, Anna swam in two events and while I was breathless with anticipation and as proud as the grandmother of an Olympian, Anna finished a decisive last in each race! But that was okay! No, it was more than okay, it was absolutely fabulous! I'm not kidding...it was fabulous. You see, Anna didn't quit. She didn't cry when she lost. She didn't have one of famous "meltdowns". She didn't even blink at being last. She simply went over to the coach, got her time, and then prissed across the concrete to greet her adoring fans... her daddy, little brother Nate, and me! I wish you could have seen her cute little self determinedly making her way to us in her Speedo swimsuit, goggles, and Newberry Eels swim cap! She had finished the race and she was coming for her hugs and her all important chili cheese fries!
As I've reflected on Saturday's triumphant first swim meet, I think I'm getting a clearer picture of how God sees us. You see, he doesn't expect us to be the best or the fastest or always the winner. I think he's most proud of us when our attitudes are in the right place and when our hearts are set on finishing the race. As Anna finished her first race, I felt as if I were in the pool with her, urging her on, telling her not to quit, watching with pride as she climbed out of the pool. Don't you think God is like that with us? He's in it with us, urging us on, telling us never give up and he watches with pride as we finish the job.
So, I don't know about you but I'm never going to quit and when I finish the race, I know God will be waiting for me with big hug and maybe, just maybe, an order of chili cheese fries!
Love, Jane
