01/27/2008

I once ran a 21-minute mile. Mile runs shouldn't last that long. In fact, I've heard statistics that claim the average person can walk a mile in something like twelve minutes. But, alas, it took me 21 minutes. And, as concisely as possible, here is what happened:

I started off running quickly. I sprinted at the beginning of this run. Then, ten or twenty yards along, I was plagued with cramps: sides, stomach, legs, and lungs all refused to operate painlessly. So, I was forced to reduce my pace rather significantly. In fact, I spent the majority of the remaining mile walking at a snail's pace. And, to be honest, I think the gym teacher (this was during high school or middle school) only ended up timing me for 3/4 of a mile...she probably saw that I'd reached the 21 minute mark and decided I had definitely gone the full mile. I'm fairly certain that I had one lap remaining to 'run.'

In short: I started well (my first handful of yards looked reminiscent of Olympic sprints) but I finished far shy of the goal and with no glory. This isn't the end of the world when it comes to jogging, but I hope my life is run in such a manner that I can finish well.

My Grandpa passed away this week. Lots of great stories were shared at his funeral, but one in particular encourages me. I'll share:

Grandpa was an athlete. Somehow, this genetic characteristic did not get passed on to me. Nonetheless, Grandpa was rather well-known as a runner in his high school days. At one point in time, my Grandpa's brother was preparing to run in a race. Grandpa encouraged him saying, "Don't ever give up. Just keep going. Don't stop, keep running. Don't give up. Just keep going." The race began, but before it ended, Grandpa's brother gave up. But, in the Christian walk, as in the high school run, Grandpa didn't give up.

It is easy to start well. It is hard to finish well.

I questioned whether or not sharing this next thought would be out of place, or morbid, or bothersome. I hope this doesn't fall offensively on any one's ears, and I don't think it will.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to watch a Godly man as he died. I watched Grandpa reflect Jesus my entire life, but perhaps no moments are as poignant as the final visits. "Don't ever give up. Just keep going. Don't stop, keep running. Don't give up. Just keep going." One step closer to Jesus. Your final steps are rough and painful (Jesus understands...remember the road to Calvary?), but don't stop. One step closer to heaven. And as Grandpa crossed the finish line his fans (his family, his friends, witnesses who have gone before and witnesses who remain) CHEERED!

One final thought: You can only cheer at a funeral when the race has been run and finished well, and when eternal life through Jesus is the reward. I can't wait to see Grandpa again, on the other side of my finish line. I hope to hear his voice cheering me on.