My daughter called me last night, just before I crawled into bed; all excited, and wanting to share something important with me. What could it be that late at night, I wondered? A number of possibilities clicked off in my mind; a new job, she just got engaged, maybe she is joining another adventure to Hawaii. No, none of these, were correct, rather, she has taken the plunge and signed up for her first marathon, in this case, the Grand Rapids Marathon in October. Yep, you heard me, 26 miles, all in one day, and without stopping, stooping, eating, or showering.
What seems painfully ironic to me is that the near record numbers who will take part in Iron-mans, half- marathons, 5k trots, and full-distance marathons are outdistanced by the equally record numbers who will fail to go the distance in life; they will surrender their marriage vows with no attempt at reconciliation, surrender their commitment to the local church for no justification, and even worse, relegate their relationship with Jesus to a lesser priority than recreation, secular entanglements or clubbing. Oh yes, bar-hopping and "clubbing" are all the rage in some circles among Christians, as so documented by the "Chronicles or our time"– Facebook. We boldly defy religious connections by openly demonstrating our defiance to those who told us this behavior had no place in the life of the Christian. Viva- Christian liberty!
C.S. Lewis was right when he said,
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite Joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday as the sea. We are far too easily pleased.*
Yet, all is not lost– there is still room for encouragement. I'm working with a young couple who deeply desire to see their marriage move from mediocrity to magnificent. My family is involved in ministries and occupations that reach far beyond their own interests and which speak deeply into the lives of those most in need. The churches that I have served are filled with people who long ago passed their physical prime but who are just beginning to shift into cruise in their efficiency and effectiveness in attitude and action.
Its the marathon mind you know, Abraham had it, and passed it to Isaac, who stumbled, but got it to Jacob, who finally passed it Joseph, and when they were done, had guaranteed that you and I are part of that tribe, that holy nation, that peculiar people who have set their sights on a heavenly city (Hebrews 11). We owe them and those who came after them with equal passion, a commitment level consistent with Jesus, "who for the joy set before him, endured the cross… " (Hebrews 12:2). Or are we too far gone for that?
So, I'll keep meditating on Scripture, praying without ceasing, fasting regularly and contemplating the greatness of my God, if only my focus will allow me to finish the race, and go the full distance… For the One who graciously bridged eternity and earth with his blood.
Bring on the 10k.
Walk wisely
* C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, pg. 4
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