I saw a picture of my first Marathon in Sacramento that I ran and it brought back a lot of memories. I remember being so nervous and my brother and I were dropped off at the start line with over 5,000 people…just as the sun was coming up! We had to get to our proper places and the gun sounded but it took a while before you could even start with so many people. I was amazed at all the runners. It was cold when we started but the protocol is to wear inexpensive stuff and as you warm up, you just throw gloves and sweatshirts off to the curb and they are collected and cleaned and given to folks who can use them. I remember coming to the half-way point…13.1 miles and there was a big celebration with all kinds of balloons and a crowd welcoming runners. And I realized
that a lot of people were not going all the way to the end. So, I made the turn on this 4-lane street and suddenly…I was alone! I started to panic thinking that I somehow got on the wrong road, and I needed to get back on track. And then way in front of me I saw some runners…and I looked over my shoulder and there were a few runners behind me catching up. And it finally dawned on me that we are the only ones on this stretch that are going for the Marathon finish line. And after that, it got pretty sparse. And after awhile I kept thinking how it might have been a better idea to have turned into the celebration back there at the halfway point. But then as I made one last turn, there was the state capitol right in front of me…and best of all the finish line! Their tradition was to announce your name…and age…as you crossed over and were welcomed as an official marathoner and presented with your medal. There is a Bible verse that says that the highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. I’m glad that I finished that race and wasn’t tempted to give up halfway through. But even more so I want to stay on the road I’m running now. The journey is difficult…and there sure aren’t as many people on this road…but this Jesus of the Bible said that it is worth it. So, I’m going to keep on running until I see that finish line and then listen for my name to be called that I’ve finished this race God has for me. The hard news is that it can be tough and that most people don’t choose to run with you. But the good news is that anyone can jump in at any time and run it too. If you’re thinking about it…come join me. I’d like to have all who will come and join me in this great race to God’s finish line. Here’s our Bible verse
Matthew 7:13-14 NLT “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. (14) But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ
that a lot of people were not going all the way to the end. So, I made the turn on this 4-lane street and suddenly…I was alone! I started to panic thinking that I somehow got on the wrong road, and I needed to get back on track. And then way in front of me I saw some runners…and I looked over my shoulder and there were a few runners behind me catching up. And it finally dawned on me that we are the only ones on this stretch that are going for the Marathon finish line. And after that, it got pretty sparse. And after awhile I kept thinking how it might have been a better idea to have turned into the celebration back there at the halfway point. But then as I made one last turn, there was the state capitol right in front of me…and best of all the finish line! Their tradition was to announce your name…and age…as you crossed over and were welcomed as an official marathoner and presented with your medal. There is a Bible verse that says that the highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. I’m glad that I finished that race and wasn’t tempted to give up halfway through. But even more so I want to stay on the road I’m running now. The journey is difficult…and there sure aren’t as many people on this road…but this Jesus of the Bible said that it is worth it. So, I’m going to keep on running until I see that finish line and then listen for my name to be called that I’ve finished this race God has for me. The hard news is that it can be tough and that most people don’t choose to run with you. But the good news is that anyone can jump in at any time and run it too. If you’re thinking about it…come join me. I’d like to have all who will come and join me in this great race to God’s finish line. Here’s our Bible verse
Matthew 7:13-14 NLT “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. (14) But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ