Every track meet in high school I attended I can always remember at least one of my coaches yelling from the sidelines. I mean they would yell sometimes until they were red in the face (that was always funny to me, lol)! As runners for our team would round the last turn and race down the straightaway to the finish line, coaches would yell "kick, KIIICK." With every command to kick, runners' strides would lengthen, arms pumping back and forth as they used every ounce of energy remaining to cross finish.
When the race was over, all participants, including the winner, would huddle with their hands over their knees as they gasped to regain their breath...and strength. The race was over. They all crossed the finish line. Their task for that meet was complete!! A look of relief could even be seen as the muscles in their faces relaxed, little by little.
Why am I reminiscing about this (even though I was never a runner...I threw shot, discus and javelin)? I'm in the last leg of this season God has me running through. This season has been more of a long-distance, endurance building race! I'm feeling weak, out of breath and got a cramp in my big toe. But, I hear a host of heavenly angles yelling at me "kick, Dani... KIIIIICK!!" It took me a while to lift my head and realize the finish line is within view as I round this last turn and head for the straightaway.
I don't know why, but I ALWAYS fail to realize (at first) that the tension I feel is always at the end of the season. I mean, the signs are all the same: people disappear when I need them most or God removes certain people for one reason or another; I feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained to the point I don't want to get out of bed most mornings; oh, the best is when Job's friends come out the woodwork and make me feel as if EVERYTHING going wrong is my fault of some kind...the list continues! There's even that feeling of worthlessness that creeps up, even when I know it's the wrong feeling and is just a distraction. But, knowing that the race isn't over until I cross that finish line, I'm lengthening my stride and pumpping my arms like crazy!!
So, I'm sure you're wondering what's at my finish line. It's getting to Dallas in one whole piece...mentally, physically and emotionally! And the funny thing is, once this race ends, I'm just gearing up to run another. And now that I think about it, endurance is what I needed because I'm going to be in seminary for the next FOUR YEARS! Ummm, yeah...I'm gonna need a second, third and fourth wind during this race! LOL *whew*
Anyway...as I head to the end, I'm ignoring the pains that are telling me to stop running. I might be going alone, but I'm refuse to feel lonely anymore. When people walk away, I will thank them for what they've given me and wish them well. It's by the grace of God that I am where I am (and going where I'm going), so I will continue in that grace to the end of this season! God is reminding me to be courageous because the land He's leading me into is beautiful in every way, and His plans and purpose for me is wonderful! He is ALWAYS with me!
Be encourgouraged, people! You're race ain't over, either! ;-)
4 comments:
You know what struck me as I read this? Everyone is spent at the end of the race. Everyone is tired, so why not finish well?
You, dear, are finishing this leg well. :)
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I am finishing well! And thanks for the encouragement.
The other thing that I loved about my coaches is even though they pushed and pushed everyone to keep running, once they crossed the finish line, they never looked at them and said "why are you so tired?" They congratulated them on the race and and encouraged them to rest for a while.
Very encouraging Danielle!!
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