It seems like yesterday. I was in seventh grade. We were completing the state required physical education tests. Since our small school didn't have a running track, we had to run on the main highway...Route 42. Not only was it a public highway, it had a very large, sloped turn in the middle of our designated distance.
Frankly, I was never a great athlete. Running and tennis were my only decent attempts. I wasn't the fastest runner. Nor was I the slowest. Other tests proved my lack of athletic talent, but I took running very seriously.
The day came. The highway distance was measured. The whistle blew. All of the gals in my class began running. It didn't take long to hear our panting and the constant thud of shoes hitting the pavement. Thankfully, I wasn't asthmatic yet. So I ran...freely. I was never in front. Yet on this day, I felt strong. I knew I may finish well...maybe just behind those wonderful, athletic gals in our class. I was excited.
Then it happened. I had to pass another classmate. We realized we would pass and be passed by others. As I came around her side, she extended her arms...and kept them there. No one was going to pass her ...no matter how slowly she ran. I remember wondering how close her arm was to my throat. I knew I had to run faster and move away from her or I would fall. She fought me...not with speed but with determination to hold me back. In fact, she had tripped me in previous races. I was afraid but I had to keep running. Somehow, I managed to get around her and I finished the race. My heart hurt for how she made me feel. I also hurt for what she felt inside as she struggled to keep us behind her.
I began thinking. Sadly, there are too many "races" on this journey that include some people trying to hold back...or trip...others. Instead of encouraging others to do their best, use their gifts and abilities, pursue their goals or feel part of a community, the opposite happens. People are excluded, isolated and unwelcome. Hearts "hit the pavement" by rejection. Lives are disconnected from community because arms are extended to keep them at a distance. What could be a beautiful tapestry of lives joining together becomes a torn, painful, senseless tragedy.
I thank God for holding me close...lifting me up...and encouraging me each step of this journey. I am thankful for open arms of others' hearts that truly reflect His. May we run this race for Him and toward Him. May we encourage each other more as we see the Day approaching. May we live lifting others up...to Him.<3~thl
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