“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” –James 1:12
It was a scorching, hot August afternoon when Aimee picked up our oldest daughter, Ella Kate, from one of her first days of middle school. As Ella Kate approached the car it was easy to see that the summer heat had take its toll. It was not just one of her first days of middle school, it was also her first day of cross-country practice.
The first day of practice included stretching and running. The stretching was no problem for a girl who has been in dance since she was 2 years old. The running was challenging. That day they ran just over 1.5 miles in the blazing Oklahoma sun. It was her first time to train with the team. It was her first time to run that far.
When she got into the car with her mom, she immediately began to inform her how tired she was. She was sore, and she wanted to quit. Her aching feet and sore muscles were unbearable. She did not want to experience the same, or worse the next practice, much less for the rest of the season.
When I arrived home that evening, I was greeted by an exhausted 6th grader. We talked about the day and her difficult practice. She, again, asked to quit. Aimee and I told her that she had to finish the season. We encouraged her and told her that we had no doubt she would be great. If she did not want to sign up for cross-country next year we would understand. She reluctantly agreed and packed her shoes for the next day.
The next practice proved to be just as difficult. The weeks following were challenging. We continued to encourage her along the way. Ella Kate persevered. She endured the heat and sore muscles and, when the time came to compete, she did great.
Last Thursday, I was one proud dad as I watched her run the last cross-country meet of the year for her middle school. I watched as she left the starting line, head held high and running with grace and strength. I am proud to share that I watched her pass other runners and finish the race well.
I couldn’t help but think of how important perseverance is to running, or any game for that matter. The greatest runners, the best dancers, the athletes who change the game have all persevered. They have endured challenges and overcome trials in order to achieve great success.
If we want to be successful in any area of lives, we must persevere. We must push forward with purpose in spite of the obstacles that are before us. I was happy to see Ella Kate complete this season. But, I was also delighted to see the joy that she has in her own heart, because she persevered. As we begin this week, I want to encourage you to move forward with purpose. There is great joy at the end of the race.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
