When I was growing up, the Tortoise and the Hare was one of my favorite fairy tales. One of Aesop’s Fables, the story is about a race between a slow tortoise and a speedy hare. The speedy hare boastfully asserts that no one can beat him and laughs at the painfully slow pace at which the tortoise moves. He decides to take a nap along the way, and then eats breakfast. Each time he checks on the tortoise and reassures himself he has nothing to worry about. After taking yet another nap though, he awakens to find the tortoise painfully close to the finish line. He tries to get there fast enough, but even his speed isn’t fast enough to make up the lost ground. The tortoise wins the race, not because of his speed, but because of his consistency and persistence.
This story is a poignant reminder to me as I think about my running and about our cause. After my last post several friends shared stories with me of their struggles in running. It was so reassuring to know that I am not alone. As I reflected on our stories, I realized that what sets us apart is not that we are successful every time out, or that we are the fastest, or that we keep every day on our training schedule. It’s that we keep trying over and over again. When we get off track, we get back on. It’s that consistency and persistence that keeps us going. Even if we don’t eek out a victory like the hare, at least we know we’re further along than we use to be. We stay the course and press on toward the prize.
This time of year is the time for new resolve. We often talk about resolutions, but this year I noticed more and more people choosing not to make resolutions. “Oh, I’ll fail anyway” or “What’s the use?” are expressions I have heard frequently. And there is something sad about that to me, when we decide not to try, scared to risk failure or to sacrifice for growth. I have been disappointed at myself for not doing all that I said I was going to do for this project, discouraged at the lack of fundraising and my lack of training. But yet, is it worth the effort? Absolutely. I care. Sometimes I disappoint myself that I don’t care more, or care better for the needs around the world. Sometimes I get so consumed with the conveniences and the “crises” of my life, that I close my eyes to the pain and need of others. But I want to care more. I resolve to care more.
I want to run the race, the physical race, but even more important the course that God has set before me. I want to be love more, to be useful to Him, to support Samaritan’s Purse in the work they are doing, and to make a difference. I resolve. And I’m okay if others get there before me or do bigger and better things, but I want to care and to be faithful over time. I want to keep running this race throughout my life. I want to stay the course and finish well.
As for my training, I went for a good run Saturday (and enjoyed it again) and hit the gym today. I’m getting back on track slowly but surely.
Please pray for our team, for our training, for our fundraising. Samaritan’s Purse touches lives around the world. We want to support them in the work they are doing long-term, consistently and persistently. Please support us financially if you are able. When I went to Nicaragua this past summer, I saw how far money can go in developing countries. A small gift can make a huge difference.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
In Christ,
Erin
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