Winner Every Time

A whistle rounds them up. . .Ready. . .Set. . .Go with a sound of the gun!  A herd of runners take off, each filled with determination, fear, anxiety, adrenaline, excitement and ambition. . .

Determination to win the ribbon.

Fear of failure.

Anxiety due to comparisons.

Adrenaline rush while running for the finish.

Excitement to be involved.

Ambition to be in the top 15.

Cross country running is the talk of the Craig household during such a season.  My son decided to go out for the team and excelled in the sport.  He pours all of self into each practice, talks excitedly about accomplishments made and works diligently to beat the previous times with each run.  He follows in the footsteps of his dad, pouring 100% into the moment set before him. 

The determination to win a ribbon also sets the environment up for failure.  Being a first year runner sets my son up for failure due to lack of experience, training and stamina.  As a parent, I watch and pray that he does not let the fact of failing to win a ribbon overpower the accomplishment of finishing the run.  Yes, others cross the finish before, run harder, possess greater muscle mass and seem to recover in less time; but, my son finishes each race with pride, runs to his greatest ability, possess the exact muscle mass intended for his frame and completes necessary measures to recover from long distance runs.  He is a winner in my book.

Comparisons can tear down a spirit.  I watch him near the finish while looking around to see who lags behind him.  I hear him speak of other’s times in the race in comparison to his.  I listen and pray that he stands proud of the race ran and congratulates team members for their performance, rather than condemn self for less than results.  He is a winner in my book.

The adrenaline rush can be used to an advantage when geared toward finishing the race.  Adrenaline keeps perseverance in the race even when lagging behind the sea of runners.  Holding the attitude of excitement and thanksgiving simply to be involved will help maintain the perseverance established through adrenaline.  Keeping his eyes focused on the fact that his health allows for such running/exercise, builds a thankful attitude.  His ambition to be in the top 15 pushes him to do the very best the body given can do.  The idea keeps my son striving for better with each timed run.  He never gives up and ends with a smile.  He is a winner in my book.

Ever desire to be a winner in someone’s book?  Ever feel like the gun sounds without hearing the warning of the whistle?  The race of life takes off and you stand at the start line frozen, full of emotions hindering any forward movement.  The world spins in chaos, stirring up clouds of dust which blind and the noise of opinions/ideas deafen.  Mixed emotions lean us toward raising the white flag in surrender.  Fear of failure rolled with anxiety when comparing the next person’s story to our own, overtakes our soul.  Minds begin filling with negative, condemning words, affirming each fear.  Satan moves in at just the perfect time, ceases opportunity to grasp hold of the situation and pulls our soul into a pit. 

What can we do when the sea of runners takes off around us and life appears out of control?  How can we face each day with determination, perseverance, excitement and ambition?   

Determine that the person God created is good enough.  There will be others who handle situations “better”, appear “happier” or seem to sail through life without any complications.  Well, know that God uses you in every situation set before you and He thinks highly of the skills placed in you during creation.  He knows you will succeed in the day in front of you.  You are a winner in His book.

Persevere with excitement as the adventure of today unfolds.  God takes you mighty places and believes in you to finish each day with confidence, peace, joy and love as you seek His guidance.  Remain in a spirit of thanksgiving that He believes in you enough to bring such adventure in your day.  You are a winner in His book.

Every day. . . Pray harder than the devil can work!