“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
As the new year begins, many people are heading back to the gym. New diets are being established. They have decided to get in better shape, take on a new challenge, and be better this year than last. These new year resolutions are difficult to maintain. Few people stick with their resolution. 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, nor when his body was 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 a day, he used this goal to help other people. Gary’s goal was to run each day and use this as inspiration to raise money for cancer research and the 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 who were inspired by Gary’s dedication to his goal and to helping those who are fighting cancer.
It took just over 20 pair of running shoes for Gary 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 his work to help everyone.
Our love for one another is a powerful force. When we allow our love to motivate us, we can overcome so many challenges. 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
