Perseverance 26.2 Miles

Crossing the Finish Line
26.2 miles

  As many of you know for the past six months I have been training for the Grand Rapids Marathon.  In the beginning I thought I would only run a half marathon.  The full seemed like it would be too many miles and too much of my time would be taken up.  So I started training for the half.  After about a month I was talking to my friend Anna and she said she was going to run the full marathon.  After talking to Benj I knew it was now or never. I didn't have much responsibility at camp this past summer and I knew I would have help with the kids once we moved back to Michigan. So I changed my training plan and got to work.
  Some runs were easy, others were hard to get motivated to do. I had lots of support from family and friends.  It was great knowing that I was not doing it alone.  I knew Anna was training with me and that helped me stay focused but I don't think it would have been possible without God.  I know people would say that God has nothing to do with running but to me I think he had everything to do with it.  I loved spending my time running praising and thanking Him for giving me the strength and ability to do so.  Thanking Him for the time and energy to run. Praying for friends and family whom I knew needed prayer and some just because I felt that I should. I saw such beauty on the mornings I got up for an early run watching the sun rise.  And the animals that were "running" with me. The rabbits made it look so easy!
  The race was the past Sunday.  It was great to hear from family and friends the night before encouraging me and letting me know they would be praying for me during the race.  My friend Jen sent me this verse from Hebrews 12:1-3..."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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." I take this verse two ways.  One for the actual race and one for the path we are taking to Uganda.  I had to look to Jesus for strength to finish the marathon.  I was not sure I would be able to accomplish it but I persevered and finished with a time of 5 hours 9 minutes and 55 seconds. I gave it all I had and left nothing behind.  This is how I want to live every day.  Giving my all...leaving nothing behind.  Am I loving with all that I am?  Am I doing the work God has set before me with all that I have?  We desire to be in Uganda by December 27, doing the work God has set before us. But am I doing my part? Am I running this race with perseverance?
  Feel free to ask us about what God is doing in our lives and the lives of the people in Uganda. We love to share the mission that God has set before us! We would love if you would join us in this mission anyway you feel God leading you!