(Sue’s Note: While not particularly relevant to the topic of today’s post, I thought you might enjoy some of Ron’s fireworks photos from our July 3rd celebration at Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Sunup Bay.)

During two recent and separate weekends, I have been reminded that life—all of life—is like running a race, and all races do not look alike. A couple weeks ago, I shared thoughts from the first weekend. Today’s post concerns the second weekend, June 22 & 23.

Sunday, June 23rd, several Millennial-aged friends competed in Ironman 70.3, a half Ironman, which includes a 1.2-mile swim; 56-mile bike ride; and 13.1-mile run. Grueling is the best descriptor I can come up with to describe this event.

That same weekend, in another part of the country, a longtime, dear friend was participating in a completely different type of race. Following an unwanted diagnosis, my friend’s family made the difficult decision to move her away from her beloved home and network of supportive friends. On so many levels, this part of my friend’s life race is grueling.

Also, during that same time, I communicated with another friend whose life race includes not only difficult physical challenges but preparing for the memorial service of her cherished son whose life race ended much sooner than anticipated.

Running a race may look dissimilar during different seasons of life. Always, though, a race holds challenges.

Whenever I ponder existential situations concerning the meaning and purpose of life, I tend to first look for connections and answers found within the pages of Scripture. Oftentimes, The Bible uses the metaphor of “race” to describe the spiritual journey. The first is found in one of Paul’s letters when he declares:

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:14)

It is essential for a runner to set realistic but challenging goals during the process of training to build endurance for the race. The same holds true in every aspect of life, including our journeys of faith.

In his letter to his friends in Philippi, Paul emphasizes the “upward call.” We run the larger race of life not only to receive and showcase medals and benefit from accomplishments, but to receive spiritual rewards along the way, and ultimately an eternal reward.

Next, along the way, we all need encouragement—others who cheer us on—as well as role models who leave a legacy of diligence and completion. Hebrews 11 and 12 are two of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I love the way The Message translates the words into modern language:

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

Wherever you are in your life race, please know I am praying for you and cheering you on!