“For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.” – Hebrews 10:36
When they get to St. Luke’s, they have no intention of stopping to have a conversation. Even though we clap and cheer for them as they approach, some walk right on by. Others run. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
After more than 12 grueling miles, everyone running the half marathon passes by St. Luke’s along Harvey Avenue for the final stretch. The “Run To Remember” honors the victims of the 1995 bombing and symbolizes how we refuse to let evil triumph over good. Together, our strength and faith will never be broken. Ever.
I love watching St. Luke’s volunteers hand out cups of water to the runners. Some have just enough breath to whisper a quick “thank you.” Others can only show their gratitude with a quick nod. They’re on a mission.
The serious runners glance at their watches to check their pace. Later, you’ll see some with smiles on their faces, walking briskly, waving back at the crowd. Some are dressed in costumes. Some are firefighters in full gear. Some carry Old Glory. Some are in wheelchairs. Some have shirts bearing a photo of a bombing victim. You’ll see laughter and tears. It truly is a joy to witness this beautiful celebration of life – both past and present.
Eventually, volunteers start to fold tables and pick up the last of the crushed paper cups from the ground. All the runners seem to have gone by.
But off in the far distance, you’ll see one more. Several minutes behind them, another person. Several blocks behind them, yet another runner turns the corner. Hours have passed since they started the race… but they’re still going.
Your heart goes out to them. They’re panting. They’re suffering. They’re “jogging” at a pace that seems slower than walking. All the crowds up and down the street have dissipated. News crews and helicopters have left. For them, reaching the finish line must seem like it will take forever.
Even though they’re the slowest in “the race,” I find myself admiring them more than anyone. How easy is it to quit when times are tough?
I used to compare myself to others early in my career. Life was a race, and I was determined to win. But the slowest runners in our wonderful marathon redefine “winning.” They remind me that life isn’t about speed. It isn’t about being “better” than someone else. It’s about the personal effort. It’s about not giving up.
No one else shares the finish line God has given each one of us. Our race is all our own.
Run with perseverance.
Ed Doney, Staff Writer
