“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Many people make a new commitment to exercise this time of year. New diets are being established. People often start the year with a new commitment to get in better shape. New Year resolutions are difficult to maintain. Few people stick with their commitments. One survey suggests that only 8% of people achieve their fitness goals each year. Those who succeed are few and far between.
In 2022, Gary McKee was more than successful in achieving his New Year’s resolution. He decided he was going to run a marathon a day. That is correct…365 marathons. A marathon is 26.2 miles. That means that Gary McKee ran 9,563 miles in 2022. Every day, Gary endured the challenge of running a significant number of miles, even when the weather did not cooperate or when his body wasn’t feeling up to the task. Despite the many challenges, Gary McKee was successful in achieving his goal.
Gary McKee did not simply run a marathon daily; he used this goal to help others. Gary’s goal was to use his running as an inspiration to raise money for Cancer research and his local hospice ministry. By the end of the year, Gary had helped to raise over $1,200,000. This extreme amount of money was collected through the generosity of the people motivated by Gary’s dedication to his goal.
Gary used just over 20 pairs of running shoes to achieve his goal. Those runs also took an immeasurable toll on his body. Gary made it clear to the community when they came out to cheer him on for his last race that all the work was worth it. Gary said, “Cancer affects everyone.” The running was just his way to help.
Our love for one another is a powerful force. We can overcome many challenges when we allow our love to motivate us. Love compels us to help others. Like Gary McKee, we can help. Our compassion can lead us, our talents will propel us, and our love will provide us the strength to become the people who make a difference in our world.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
