Run YOUR Race

My children and I were waiting on my husband to meet us for supper, so we past time by playing at a local playground.  The kids ran this way and that, climbed up, slid down, swung high and traveled across the monkey bars.  I participated as much as this old body would allow.  After a short period, I stood back and just observed. 

It did not take long for the competition to begin.  I need to check the birth certificates, but I believe competition is both of my children’s middle names.  Even getting out of the car and to the front door becomes a race on too many occasions.  Well, this time the race involved monkey bars and a step ladder (the kind that looks like monkey bars, but for your feet, leading to the upper part of the equipment).  I, of course, was judge.  What mother wants to be judge?  One child inevitably will be disappointed because of losing.  So, being judge, I determine the start time by simply shouting “Go”.  Both children took position (my son on the monkey bars and daughter on steps).  The obstacles of each do not compare in difficulty.  My daughter uses her feet sturdily to climb about six rungs to the platform; while my son uses upper body strength to swing across about ten rungs to the platform.  But anyways, the race was not my decision and I did not agree with such competitive attitudes.

“GO”!  Each began strong and fast.  Then, my son diverted his attention to my daughter and began listing the rules being broken (as if there were any to begin with), the unfairness of the race and demanding a do over.  As he took all energy to focus on her, he lost momentum and just hung stagnant.  He lost ability to move forward and finish the race.  He gave up, saying that round did not count and off to the start lines they went for another attempt.  Each go around consisted of excuses coming from each of them as to why they were not winners.  Never could one of them focus on their own obstacle and persevere through what lie ahead.  Some phrases used include:  “I wasn’t ready”, “She started before you said go”, “He is bigger, stronger and faster”, “This is not fair”, etc.  I explained that when they lose focus on the task at hand, defeat occurs.  If they spend time comparing their journey to the one of another, progress will halt.  I ended this charade and moved us to the swings where we all could do something together again.  It seems as though when I am in the mix and playing right along with them, the competitions and arguments cease.

Oh, my friends aren’t we just like my children.  The world presents competition daily.  Our aggressive flesh desires highest position at work, best looking appearance, fastest car, biggest house, most behaved children. . .and the list goes on. . .

We take all opportunity to come out on top.  As we partake in such fleshly actions, our path veers to right.  God did not plan for, nor agree with such competition.  He watches from afar, waiting for the charade to cease and our eyes to focus back on His plan.  Our attention diverts to the people we encounter on a daily basis and judgment begins.  The flesh feeds off each observation, placing itself at a higher standing, feeling like the winner (or at least having an excuse if not the winner).  All our energy depletes when working so hard to be better, bigger and beautiful.  We become stagnant, losing all momentum to move forward on the path laid for our lives.  The race cannot be completed when our eyes focus on worldly competition rather than the work God laid for each our lives.  Each journey consists of situations matching our abilities and talents.  When we strive to possess the abilities and talents of others (at greater levels) we lose our purpose.  Defeat occurs. 

Place God at the center of your day.  Be confident in the person He created and the skills (at whatever level they may be) given to you.  We all must work together to accomplish and complete the race.  Push the comparisons aside, turn your eyes toward God and persevere through the race marked out for YOUR life.  When God is in the mix and guiding each step, no room exists for competition, judgment and argument.

 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)     

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig