“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 perseverance the race that is set before us” – Hebrews 12:1
On April 17th, 2017, Katherine Switzer finished the Boston Marathon in 4:44. What is simply amazing is this was 50 years after being the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, with a time of 4:24. She is now 70-years-old. There were those who tried to make her first run impossible, but she persevered, kept her eyes on her goal and completed the race in heroic fashion. When Katherine finished her first race, there were those who celebrated and those who were angered by her accomplishment. When she finished this time, she was greeted by a great, cheering group, still amazed by her achievement.
A marathon is much like life. There are wonderful moments as well as dreadful moments. For instance, if you start to fast, you could run out of energy and lose the ability to even finish the race. You must pace yourself, persevere and keep your focus on finishing. You set mini goals, and eventually cross the finish line being cheered on by those who have gone before.
Life brings a lot of the same challenges, some great times as well as trying ones. During the tough times, focus on finishing well, persevere and look forward to being cheered on by all who have gone on before: That wonderful cloud of witnesses who are waiting for you as you complete the small goals and cross the finish line.
Rev. Jeremy Sanders, Pastor of Program Ministries
