the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 2

Chapter 2: A Call to Run

Discipline -- 1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline 2. activity, exercise or a regimen that develops or improves a skill

Marathon -- 1. a foot race over a course measuring 26 miles, 385 yards 3. any contest, event, or the like, of great, or greater than normal length or duration or requiring exceptional endurance

Endurance -- 2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina

p. 29 The endurance metaphor isn't in the Bible to say you need more hardships. Instead it shows us how to live by God's grace and power in the midst of adversities.

When I participated in my 2nd mini-triathlon Aug. 7, I realized something. While all the practice I had put in during the summer helped improve my swim time, I had failed to practice endurance. If I only practice one or two of the events I do not prepare myself for the length of time my body would be physically pushed during the race. My overall time improved, but I still only trained for one event at a time.

I felt God called me to participate in the mini-triathlon a second time as a reminder that parenting is a call to endure. I must depend on Him. While I have an idea on how to better train for next year's triathlon, I'm still mulling over how you "train" for the endurance of adversities.

the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 1

Chapter 1 - Rejoice, we conquer!

At this point, I am not done with the book. There are many things to meditate on, causing me to take it slow, but the truth is I am not being obedient to God in the amount of time I spend in this book and in His Word. So while I would love to share my thoughts about the part I'm reading now, I feel like I need to go back and start at the beginning.

I enjoyed reading about Pheidippides and how it might have felt to run the 26 miles to announce a victory. My thoughts are filled with the images of the generals, rested and relaxed, asking Pheidippides to run the 26 miles to announce their victory just so a feast can be ready. The rested generals asked a battle-tired soldier to run 26 miles in less than 4 hours. I want to yell at them -- "Do it yourself!"

The race was hard. Pheidippides did well at first, but ignored signs of trouble. I don't know if he could have rectified anything, but I still want to keep in mind that there were signs.

Sammy says on p. 11 about his marathon race that "I was doing this for the glory of God--and the memory of my dear friend, Ken Leeburg. I knew I couldn't quit. But it was so hard. At a half a mile from the finish, I hurt so badly, I wept."

Sammy didn't quit. He hurt. But he didn't quit. On p. 12 he says, "'This was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life,' I said. 'I didn't run as fast as I hoped. But I decided that speed was not the most important thing, but finishing the race was what mattered.'"

I am concerned with appearances. Does that relate to speed in a race? I constantly feel judged. Is that similar to being concerned with speed in a race? If I concentrate on finishing, then I would look ever to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, on whom I must desperately depend. Also, I bet I have to expect the pain.