A Cup of Grace – with a shot of espresso

In recent years I have come to a new realization about myself.  I am best motivated to action if I believe that I am helping another.  My attitude can turn from grumbling to downright cheery if I believe that my efforts encourage someone else to succeed.  I particularly love to mentor others – to come alongside them and encourage them to grow and do things that maybe they don’t think they can do.

This makes so more much sense now…

Ultimately – after running my first marathon, that’s how I found myself running three more as well as 5 half marathons. Let’s be clear: I am not the runner who loves running. I do not eagerly search for marathons or halves to compete in.  (Kudos to you crazies who do!) In eight of those nine races, I was doing it because someone else needed a training partner. Being a partner made the grueling portions significantly better.  Getting up at 4:30 am to meet a friend for training was easier when I knew someone else needed me. 

More on running races…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

Paul compares our spiritual lives to a race – setting aside the sins that so easily trip us up – keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).  He says that we run before a “cloud of witnesses” – those who have completed the race – who were faithful. 

Our spiritual lives are inextricably woven into our daily lives. Ignoring our spiritual health is like trying to do this life-race with a broken leg. Life isn’t a 5K or even a marathon.  This is an endurance race, a trail run with steep ups and downs. Finishing strong means growing strong in our relationship with Christ, allowing Him to show us the best way to run.

A Running Partnership

In some competitive races now, it is common for runners to have “pacers.”  These are people who agree to run portions of the race with them to help them keep a pace. They come in at different portions of the race and run with the competitor.  They aren’t there the entire time, and in endurance races, two or three different people may take the role of the pacer throughout the length of the race. 

Life too is a race that is better with companionship. We aren’t really meant to run it alone. We each need encouragement and sometimes a push to keep moving – to not give up. We need “pacers,” those who can challenge us and help us stay on course.

I am not yet a part of the “cloud of witnesses,” for I myself have not yet finished.  However, if I as another runner can be a help you for a leg of your own life-race, I would love to do that.  I want to come alongside you like a pacer and encourage you to keep going.  I want to chat with you and remind you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. The truth is that if we run together, you will be an encouragement to me as well.

The Disclaimer

You need to know that my “running form” is not perfect.  I too get distracted, discouraged, overwhelmed, frustrated, angry etc. I have sins that I try to carry and that weigh me down. I do not have perfect understanding.  I do not have all the answers.  But I know the One who does. I do not want you to look to me.  I want to point you to Jesus. Portions of the trail you are running are familiar to me. Some are totally new.

The Invitation

If you’re in, my intention is to post here twice a month. (I’m shooting for the 1st and the 15th -ish). I’m still feeling my way along. Blogging is a new route for me.  Regardless of where you are, I want you to grow in strength, understanding, wisdom, and, most of all, in your love for Jesus. I will share what I’m learning and thinking about in my own life. I will challenge you to deepen your relationship with Jesus.

I have no idea how much longer my race is, but I want to finish strong, and I want the same for you.  We can help each other do that. Your feedback is part of my growth. You are welcome to post a comment or question here or to email me privately. Do you want to go for a run together?