October 13, 2024

Yesterday we went to see our grandson run in a cross-country meet. Young boys and girls … all shapes and sizes and colors … with one goal —- to get to the finish line. In the end … there is always someone in first place, second place … all the way down to the person who is “last.” And yet — there are no “winners” and “losers.” It’s just you —— giving it your best. And when you cross the “finish line” … you are a “winner.” You may not get a medal … many of the “fans” may not be there to greet you. But — you have finished … given the “race” your very best. Isn’t this what we are “called to do” everyday? At the end of each day … I read the sign hanging on my office wall: “COURAGE DOESN’T ALWAYS ROAR. SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY … SAYING: I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW.” I saw a lot of “courage” in the face of those young kids. I think of Jesus’ words: “In my kingdom,. you must be the servant of all. The first shall be last … the last shall be first.” Each of us runs a “race” everyday. We have “finish lines” we try to reach. Sometimes we get there … often we have to wait ’til tomorrow. In the middle of all this is a quiet “higher power” who shares the ups and downs of our journey with us. And … we share each other’s journey … because we care,. and we don’t want anybody to “run” alone. Someday we will all cross that finish line … into a kingdom beyond this world. In the meantime … we are called “to run the race” with kindness and courage in our hearts. Peace to all … Don