“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36
Running a cross country race is a significant event. Runners train and prepare, long in advance, for the 3.1-mile run. When the day of the race arrives, the runners take their place in line with many others. Sometimes there are close to 100 athletes in a race. When the starter pistol is fired, each runner leaps into action, fighting for their place along the trail. Although cross country is, in part, a team sport, when the race begins each runner is running for themselves, striving to do their personal best.
In a cross country race, doing one’s “best” is often defined by the time it takes to finish the run. However, for Brandon Schutt, a high school student running to qualify for the state meet in Nebraska, “best” was defined by his willingness to help an injured competitor. During the race, Blake Cerveny, a student from another school, was running his hardest to qualify as well. Unfortunately, Blake’s leg would cramp, and he fell 400 meters from the finish line. Blake would try to get back up and keep running, but he soon fell again. Blake made every effort to get up and run, but he would eventually collapse to the ground in pain.
Thankfully, Brandon Schutt was close and saw what was happening. Brandon immediately put his race on hold and rushed to Blake’s aid. Brandon knew that Blake would not be able to complete the race on his own. Brandon bent down and hoisted Blake onto his feet. They completed the run together, as Brandon held Blake up.
Both boys were able to finish the race because of Brandon’s actions. Although neither of the two finished in less time than they hoped for, a great victory was achieved that day. Neither Brandon nor Blake took home a medal or qualified for state that day, but they demonstrated a great lesson to all who were watching. There are far greater things in life than prizes at the end of the race.
When we focus on helping others, we all succeed. So often we are concerned with our own goals and our own progress. Real victory is found when we carry one another’s burdens and bring everyone across the finish line. Ultimately, life is a team sport. We often feel like we are competing by ourselves, but we are a family of faith, we are all God’s children, and we are triumphant when we bring the whole team across the finish line.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
